Research on the multi-dimensional impact effects of rural digital economy on the resilience of agricultural development: evidence from 30 provinces in China

This paper first explores the mechanism by which rural digital economy (RDE) affects the resilience of agricultural development (RAD). Then, based on the data of 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2022, the entropy method is used to measure the level of RDE and RAD. The spatial correlation of RDE and RAD is analyzed through the Moran’s I and the Geary’s C. Then, the direct effect of RDE on RAD, the spatial spillover effect and the mediating effect of ATP were empirically tested through the bidirectional fixed effect model, the mediating effect model and the spatial Durbin model (SDM). The research findings are as follows: (1) Both RDE and RAD in China are on the rise, and there are obvious regional differences. (2) The significant enhancement of RDE has improved RAD. The results remain valid even after robustness tests and endogeneity tests. (3) ATP has played a mediating role in the impact of RDE on RAD. (4) The development of RDE in local areas will have a positive impact on RAD in neighboring regions, and the spatial spillover effect is significant.