The energy saving effects of digital infrastructure construction: Empirical evidence from Chinese industry

Digital infrastructure serves as a crucial foundation for development in the era of the digital economy. In light of this, this paper takes digital infrastructure construction as its focal point. Utilizing Python technology and the Meta-frontier non-radial directional distance function to calculate the level of digital infrastructure construction and industrial energy efficiency. It then employs a dynamic panel data model to analyze the impact effects and mechanisms of digital infrastructure construction on industrial energy efficiency. Additionally, threshold models and modified gravity models are employed to explore the nonlinear effects and spatial impacts of digital infrastructure construction on industrial energy efficiency. The research findings reveal that the enhancement of digital infrastructure significantly improves industrial energy efficiency. Moreover, indicate a shift in the impact of digital infrastructure construction on industrial energy efficiency from inhibitory to promotional as the level of digital infrastructure construction increases. The mechanism of this effect suggests that digital infrastructure construction can promote the improvement of industrial energy efficiency through green technological innovation and the advancement of industrial structure. Further analysis shows that the spatial network characteristics of digital infrastructure construction notably elevate the level of industrial energy utilization efficiency. This study provides practical policy implications for sustainable development.