Identifying the path choice of digital economy to crack the “resource curse" in China from the perspective of configuration

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the “green economy", economic growth and environmental protection are perceived as interdependent and inseparable entities. The digital economy, as a novel economic paradigm, plays a crucial role in unraveling the “resource curse" of excessive resource consumption under traditional development models. This study employs the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method investigate the configuration effects of technical, organizational, and environmental factors on addressing the “resource curse" across 30 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) in China. It also examines the interactive matching relationships among different factors and the heterogeneity of the digital economy in mitigating the “resource curse". It is significantly established that breaking the “resource curse" does not have a single necessary condition, and the environmental factors emerge as pivotal elements for each province in this process. Considering the role of digital economy, there are four distinct configuration paths for the digital economy to mitigate the “resource curse", each exhibiting significant regional and industrial dependence heterogeneity. This research approach integrates the digital economy with traditional resource economies, aiming to explore new development patterns and theoretical frameworks. It also seeks to provide policymakers with practical strategies to guide economic and social transition towards a modernized path characterized by green, circular, and efficient development with the aid of the digital tools.