Measuring the Digital Economy’ s Enabling Effects on Urban-rural Integration: Level Assessment and Determinant Analysis

This study examined how digital economy facilitates urban-rural integration in China using 2013-2023 provincial data. It constructed a multidimensional evaluation system and employ coupled coordination modeling to assess their synergistic development. Results revealed: (1) coordination degree showed steady growth but remains at basic level; (2) significant regional disparities existed (eastern > central > western); (3) government regulation and technological support were primary drivers. It proposed a phased coordination strategy with gradient development pathways and a “policy-element-industry” coordination framework to address regional disparities.