Competition and coordination of China's regional economy in the context of digital economy

Abstract

The regional coordination strategy has been implemented for more than two decades in China. At the critical time when China is building a moderately prosperous society and moving towards common prosperity, narrowing the regional economic gap is a key issue to be addressed. With the rapid development of digital economy, a new driving force has been formed for regional economic development. This article first analyzes the connotation and current situation of regional economic coordination in China, and then explores the role of digital economy in narrowing the regional economic gap. It finds that: the overall regional coordination in China has been improved; in particular, the inter-regional economic gap has been gradually reduced. However, the problem of intra-regional economic disparity is still very serious. Digital economy can promote regional economic growth, but this economic growth is universal. So, when digital economy promotes regional economic coordination, it also leads to a continuous widening of regional economic disparity. Finally, this article puts forward practical policy suggestions to respond to the regional economic gap that may be widened by digital economy.