Spatio-temporal evolution and convergence characteristics of urban digitalization efficiency in China: A perspective on regional coordinated development

Urban digitalization is a key driver of regional coordinated development in modern times due to its ubiquitous and significant impact on our production, way of life, and ecosystem. Most of the current research has focused on the economic and social impacts of digitalization, while little work has been done on the efficiency of digitalization. This study investigates urban digitalization efficiency (UDE) employing the super-efficient EBM model from a viewpoint of regional coordinated development. The dynamic evolution of UDE is revealed by the Markov chain method. The convergence properties of UDE in each region are examined using the beta convergence models. The findings indicate that: (1) The UDE of each city and each of the eight integrated economic zones has increased to some extent. (2) The UDE is relatively likely to remain stable, with a greater probability of shifting to a neighbouring type than to a non-neighbouring type. (3) While UDE exhibits absolute and conditional beta-convergence across all areas, the causes affecting UDE convergence in various economic zones vary. The results presented in this study can help clarify the laws and characteristics of UDE and serve as a reference for developing countries to promote coordinated regional development through urban digitalization.