What the study found
The study found that the establishment of local data exchange platforms, treated as a quasi-natural experiment, significantly improves urban green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE), which refers to energy efficiency measured while also accounting for environmental effects. It also found positive spillover effects on neighboring cities.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings offer new empirical evidence on how data elements drive green development. They also say the results provide useful insights for making related policies.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used panel data from 282 prefecture-level cities in China covering 2010 to 2023. They combined difference-in-differences (DID) with spatial econometric models to build SDID and spatial SDDD specifications, using local data exchange platforms as the policy exposure.
What worked and what didn't
DEM, or data element marketization, was reported to significantly enhance local GTFEE, and this result remained robust under multiple robustness checks. The paper also reports that the effect was stronger in eastern and central regions and in cities with higher financial development, and that digital financial inclusion and innovation and environmental regulation were part of the reported pathways.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe specific limitations beyond the study’s focus on Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2010 to 2023. Details about the size of the effects, model assumptions, and any remaining uncertainty are not provided in the available summary.
Key points
- Local data exchange platforms were associated with higher urban green total factor energy efficiency.
- The study reported positive spatial spillover effects on neighboring cities.
- Digital financial inclusion had a significant positive moderating effect on the DEM-GTFEE relationship.
- The paper identified technological innovation and environmental regulation as mediating channels.
- Effects were stronger in eastern and central regions and in cities with higher financial development.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Data exchange platforms improved urban green energy efficiency
- Authors:
- Runlin Tian, Hongchang Li, Han Jia, Runde Gu
- Institutions:
- Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing Jiaotong University, Hebei Science and Technology Department
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-05
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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