Industrial Transformation Research Articles

State Institutions and Development in South Africa: The Case of Two State-Owned Enterprises

The debate on state institutions in the economic development of developing countries has been ongoing for the past three decades. In the 1980s, the debate was dominated by the importance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and transitioned to the privatisation of SOEs in the early1990s. The debate re-emerged in 2010 due to the increasing influence of Chinese SOEs in the global economy. While the corporatisation of SOEs led to financial results being the core measure of good governance and performance, balancing financial performance with societal socio-economic impact is necessary for developing nations as SOEs are established to stimulate social and economic development. This article uses secondary data to explore the social and economic impact of two South African SOEs—the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)—to contribute to the ongoing debate on the importance of state institutions on the development of developing countries. The article demonstrates the criticalness of the IDC in stimulating the country’s industrial development capacity and structural transformation, whereas the DBSA provides infrastructure investment to enable structural transformation through an enabling development ecosystem. While contributing to the merits of the state and development, failures and areas of interventions are also discussed.

A Novel Shunt Zigzag Double-Tap Low-Harmonic Multi-Pulse Rectifier Based on a Three-Stage Power Electronic Phase-Shifting Transformer.

To solve the problem of the large size of traditional industrial frequency phase-shift transformers and the harmonic distortion of multi-pulse wave rectifier systems, this paper proposes a three-stage shunt zigzag power electronic phase-shift transformer based on a double-tap multi-pulse wave rectifier, which combines the power factor correction (PFC) converter with the voltage-type SPWM inverter circuit to form a power electronic converter to realize the frequency boost and power factor correction. Through AC-DC-AC conversion, the frequency of the three-phase AC input voltage is increased, the number of core and coil turns in the transformer is reduced to reduce the size of the phase-shifter transformer, a zigzag structure of the phase-shifter transformer is used to solve the unbalanced distribution of current between the diode bridges, and a passive harmonic suppression method on the DC side is used to generate a loop current by using a group of single-phase rectifier bridges to regulate the input line current of the phase-shifter transformer. The phase-shifted voltage is input into two three-phase diode rectifier bridges to rectify and supply power to the load. Simulation and semi-physical test results show that the proposed method reduces the total harmonic distortion (THD) value of the input current of the phase-shifted transformer to 7.17%, and the THD value of the grid-side input current is further reduced to 2.49%, which meets the harmonic standard and realizes the purpose of power factor correction as well as being more suitable for high-power applications.

Conclusion: Reshaping horizons: the future of events in a post-pandemic world?

PurposeThe purpose of this theme issue is to explore the enduring changes and innovations shaping the future of the event industry in the post-pandemic world. While much of the existing literature focuses on the immediate impacts of COVID-19, this issue aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the broader transformations, including the integration of sustainability, emerging technologies, and evolving event formats.Design/methodology/approachThe theme issue encompasses a range of methodologies, including systematic reviews, bibliometric analyses, and in-depth case studies. The papers examine various aspects of the event industry, such as the adoption of hybrid event formats, the role of new technologies, and the importance of sustainability in event planning. Each paper contributes unique insights into the future direction of the industry by analyzing trends, technologies, and practices that are defining the next era of event management.FindingsThe findings highlight a significant shift in the event industry towards sustainability, with an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable materials. Emerging technologies are also transforming the landscape, enabling more personalized and immersive event experiences. The rise of hybrid and micro-events is identified as a key trend, providing flexibility and inclusivity while maintaining the benefits of in-person interactions. These developments suggest a permanent change in consumer expectations and engagement strategies within the event industry.Originality/valueThis theme issue offers a holistic analysis of the innovative practices, technologies, and trends that are defining the future of the event industry. By bridging the gap between immediate pandemic responses and long-term industry transformations, it provides valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers looking to navigate the next era of event management.

Research on the influence of the digital economy on the development of China’s small household appliance industry and enhancement countermeasures

Purpose The implementation of the digital economy has had a considerable influence on the manufacturing industry, and this paper aims to address the important issues of how to capture the opportunities presented by digital innovation and promote the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry, as well as the improvement of quality and efficiency. Design/methodology/approach Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces and cities between 2010 and 2021, this study establishes the panel vector autoregression (PVAR) model and uses impulse response function analysis to evaluate the influence of the digital economy on the high-quality transformation and upgrading of China's small home appliance industry across five dimensions under the digital economy. Findings The development of digital infrastructure has not demonstrated a noteworthy capacity for advancing the transformation and upgrading of the small home appliance industry. Furthermore, digital industrialization has exerted a minimal restraining influence on this process. Nevertheless, digital governance has consistently exhibited a substantial impact on facilitating the transformation and upgrading of the small home appliance industry. While both industrial digitization and digital innovation hold significant potential for promoting the transformation and upgrading of the small home appliance industry, their sustainability remains limited. Practical implications The organization should logically join independent innovation and open innovation, construct an industrial ecosystem for the profound convergence of the digital economy and compact household appliances, use digital-wise science and technology to empower the establishment of brand effects, strengthen the portrayal of the digital standard framework for the intelligent compact household appliance industry, advance the development of a public stage for computerized administrations in the compact household appliance industry and develop a strategy ecosystem for computerized assets in the compact household appliance industry. Originality/value This study offers systematic evidence of the relationship between the digital economy and the development of the small home appliance industry. The results of this research contribute to the literature on the impact of the digital economy on the manufacturing sector and provide a logical explanation for the transformation and upgrading of the small home appliance industry within the context of the digital economy.

A jövőbeli erőművi portfólió elemzés költség- és kibocsátás minimum optimalizálás szempontjából

The article examines the expected composition of the power plant portfolio in Hungary by 2030. The indicators considered are the life-cycle unit costs (LCOE) and the life-cycle specific carbon dioxide emissions (LCA(CO2)) of the power plant types. The minimum of these two indicators, as objective functions, is determined by a linear programming method for the power plant portfolio. The results show that the LCOE minimum for the power plant portfolios in 2030 is worse in absolute terms and better in specific terms than in 2021. In both absolute and specific terms, the LCA(CO2) minimum is more favourable in 2021. These results are met under the thirty and twenty-five percent electricity import scenarios. With twenty percent imports, the absolute values are worse and the specific values are better for both indicators. On the other hand, the results of the calculations for 2030 fall short of the 2030 Agenda of the Institute for a Green Transition. This is due to the delay in commissioning a new nuclear power plant and the transformation of industry with increasing electricity demand. For the portfolios under review, a minimum of thirty percent of domestic generation from renewable sources is met. This contributes significantly to the European Union's ambition for the sector to be net greenhouse gas-free by 2050.

Chinese Digital Economy: Current Situations, Problems, and Recommendations

The rapid development of the digital economy is transforming global business models and social interactions. By 2025, global e-commerce transactions are anticipated to reach $6.86 trillion, underlining the importance of the digital economy as a major force for economic expansion. China's digital economy, having reached RMB 50.2 trillion in 2023 and comprising 41.5% of its GDP, is notably advancing, catalyzing the transformation of traditional industries and fostering new business models. Significant investments in digital infrastructure such as 5G, big data centers, AI, and the industrial internet underscore China's commitment to technological innovation. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including talent shortages, data security, and privacy concerns, as well as the digital divide. Addressing these issues involves enhancing digital talent training and introduction, improving data security regulations, and promoting coordinated regional development. This study is of great practical value in guiding policy formulation, optimizing resource allocation, and promoting the inclusive application of digital technologies, which will help promote the healthy and rapid development of China's digital economy, ensure that all levels of society can benefit from the advancement of the digital economy, and achieve comprehensive economic and social transformation and upgrading.

Research on the energy transmission mode of a three-port DC–DC converter based on ultra-thin silicon steel

With the introduction of China’s “Carbon Peaking Action Plan Before 2030,” the transformation of the power industry has released huge opportunities and potential. The DC distribution network can well-coordinate the contradiction between distributed power and grid access, fully develop the benefits of distributed energy, and become a new direction for the development of the power industry. However, the current traditional DC–DC converters have problems such as single-topology structure and low power density, which can only complete one-way transmission of energy; hence, the distributed energy cannot be fully utilized. Addressing the problem of distributed energy transfer, this paper is based on a three-port DC–DC converter for a low-voltage DC distribution network to realize energy transfer between the DC distribution network, distributed energy, and low-voltage load. First, the energy transfer modes of the three-port DC–DC converter are introduced. Combined with the converter topology and energy transfer mode, a simplified equivalent model of the converter is established. The voltage gain characteristics and frequency characteristics of this converter are studied. Furthermore, the effects of the excitation inductance to primary resonance inductance ratio parameter k and quality factor Q on the voltage gain characteristics of the converter are discussed. On this basis, the resonant cavity design of the converter is based on the optimal selection of parameters k and Q so that the converter can meet the voltage gain requirements in both forward and reverse operations. The simulation results under different loads verify the reasonableness of the resonant cavity component selection.

Transformation of the AECO industry through the metaverse: potentials and challenges

The integration of the metaverse into the real estate and construction industry reveals various potentials, but also challenges. The increasing digitization in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) sector requires a critical examination of aspects such as the metaverse. This paper is dedicated to examining the impact of the metaverse on the real estate and construction industry. The following specialist article is primarily aimed at the target group of the AECO sector, with the aim of gaining an initial overview of the opinions within this sector. The methodology used includes an in-depth literature review and a representative survey. Respondents from different age groups and areas of activity within the construction and real estate industry took part in this survey. The research questions of this paper are aimed at identifying the range of metaverse applications in the AECO industry, assessing their potential impact on business potential and challenges. The aim is to develop initial definitions and use cases and to create an overview of opinions in the industry. In this context, potential opportunities and risks will be examined to derive recommendations for an effective integration of the metaverse into the AECO industry. The results of this paper conducted indicate that there is still considerable uncertainty in the construction and real estate industry. It appears that the term “metaverse” and the associated potential through targeted use cases are not yet widespread in this industry. The survey participants recognize a potential for 3D visualizations in the metaverse that extends over the entire life cycle of buildings. An exemplary scenario for this is the use of 3D visualizations both during the planning phase and in marketing. The challenges identified shed light on uncertainties relating to data protection, privacy, and the influence of the internet. The results of the study reveal a high level of uncertainty and ignorance within the industry when it comes to understanding the metaverse. Based on the results, further studies are needed to establish the understanding and real potential of the metaverse in the industry. Conducting workshops specifically aimed at the AECO sector can help to deepen understanding of the potential of possible use cases.

Emerging evidence on the potential of PTR‐MS as rapid, direct and high‐sensitivity sensors to promote innovation in the fermented beverages sector

SummaryIn food technology, the term ‘fermentation’ encompasses a spectrum of microbial‐driven bioprocesses that preserve and improve the quality of raw materials, transforming them into new fermented products with minimal resource consumption. Furthermore, fermentation plays a crucial role in driving the eco‐friendly transformation of the agricultural industry. Within this domain, the fermented beverage sector stands out due to its consumer‐friendly appeal. To promote innovation in this field, there is a need for cost‐effective, versatile and sustainable techniques that can accelerate research and development activities. In the bioprocess sector, innovation management requires consideration of an array of variables, including diverse raw materials, various microorganisms and different fermentation parameters. Direct injection mass spectrometry (DIMS) technologies offer solutions for bioprocess monitoring, particularly in the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are constantly improving their performance in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Among the DIMS methods, proton transfer reaction‐mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS), when coupled with autosampling and customised data handling and analysis, has demonstrated its efficiency in studying VOCs associated with fermentation. This approach brings automation to data production and management, offers exceptional versatility akin to a sensor and aligns closely with the principles of green chemistry. In this perspective paper, after reviewing key aspects of modern fermentation practice, we showcase the application of PTR‐MS as a model to demonstrate its potential as sensor‐like approach to drive innovation within the fermented beverage sector. This approach enables swift, large‐scale assessments of multiple variables while providing comprehensive insights into the quality and safety of the final products.

Enabling Green Innovation Quality through Green Finance Credit Allocation: Evidence from Chinese Firms

As one of the world’s largest economies and the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, China plays a critical role in global environmental management. As China emphasizes new quality productive forces, understanding how green finance can enable green innovation quality (GIQ) is essential for projecting China’s influence in the sustainable development of the global ecological environment. This paper sets up a quasi-natural experiment using the Green Credit Policy (GCP) to examine the impact of green financial credit allocation on the enterprises’ GIQ. The findings demonstrate that the GCP has the potential to improve the GIQ of the green credit-restricted industries, compared to non-green credit-restricted ones. It is worth noting that as China speeds up its industrial digital transformation and productivity improvement, green financial credit allocation can elevate the digitization level and total factor productivity of green credit-restricted industries, leading to a higher GIQ by curbing corporate shadow banking. Further research shows that fintech and financial regulation can strengthen the positive influence of the GCP on GIQ. Moreover, regional intellectual property protection has a beneficial synergistic effect in combination with the policy.

Research on the Coordinated Development of Inclusive Finance and Financing for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

As an important force in promoting economic and social development, small and medium-sized enterprises play a crucial role in enhancing China’s economic strength, creating employment opportunities, and promoting industrial structural transformation. However, due to their inherent weaknesses, small and medium-sized enterprises often face difficulties in financing within the traditional financial service system. This makes it difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to inject vitality into the development of the market economy by expanding their financing scale. Since 2013, China has vigorously developed inclusive finance and extended the services of traditional financial institutions to small and medium-sized enterprises, providing policy guidance, resource support, and technical support to alleviate the financing difficulties of small and medium-sized enterprises. Based on this, this article focuses on the current financing problems faced by small and medium-sized enterprises and specifically elaborates on how to lower the financing threshold for small and medium-sized enterprises and broaden their financing channels through inclusive finance, in order to promote the development of inclusive finance and a virtuous cycle of financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Integration and capacity optimization of molten-salt heat storage in coal-fired power plant with carbon capture system

Developing a new generation of economical, low-carbon, and flexible coal-fired power plants (CFPP) is crucial for achieving the low-carbon transformation of the energy industry. Deploying molten salt heat storage (MSHS) in the CFPP can effectively enhance its peak shaving capability and reduce the limitations of carbon capture on wide range operation of the plant. To this end, this paper proposes four integration schemes for MSHS into the power plant-carbon capture system. The thermal efficiencies, exergy efficiencies, and peak shaving capabilities of the entire plant under different integration schemes are evaluated and compared. The results indicate that the optimal integration scheme involves utilizing hot reheat steam to heat the cold molten salt and further provide heat for the carbon capture system during the heat charging process and utilizing hot molten salt to heat the outlet water of the feed water pump during the heat discharging process, which achieves the highest thermal efficiency of 38.00 % and exergy efficiency of 37.09 % across the entire cycle. A novel integrated design, scheduling, and control optimization (IDSCO) method is proposed to find the optimal capacity configuration of MSHS, in which the investment, maintenance, fuel, carbon emission, and long-timescale and short-timescale load tracking deviation penalty costs are fully considered. A design parameter-aware control system is developed based on a multi-parametric programming model predictive control approach to ensure a fair evaluation of closed-loop dynamic performance under different configuration capacities. The simulation results demonstrate that the deployment of MSHS can significantly enhance the flexibility of the power plant-carbon capture system and the proposed IDSCO approach can reduce 17.05 % of load tracking deviation penalty cost and 1.38 % of totalized cost compared to the conventional configuration approach. This paper effectively leverages the potential of MSHS in enhancing the operational flexibility of CFPP-PCC system, thereby providing useful guidance for future deployment of MSHS within CFPP-PCC system.

Research on the Integrated Development of China’s Marine Industry Empowered by the Digital Economy: Architecture Design and Implementation Pathways

The digital economy, as a key driver of China’s economic development and industrial structure transformation, provides a strong impetus for the integrated development of the marine industry. Building on relevant research both domestically and internationally, this study employs programmatic grounded theory coding to analyze the effective case data published on authoritative official websites. We construct a theoretical model and architectural design for the integration of digital economy and marine industry, elucidating the crucial roles of digital infrastructure, digital collaborative service platforms, and digital application scenarios in this integration. We propose the following four integration pathways: digital resource collaborative optimization based on the ‘sea–ship–shore–breeding–tourism–management’ framework, industry chain optimization led by the seed industry, industrial cluster format optimization based on ecosystems, and land–sea linkage layout optimization driven by application scenarios. These pathways provide scientific theoretical guidance and practical recommendations for the integrated development of China’s marine industry in the digital economy era.

Analysis of the disruptions of the digital revolution and its impacts on the evolution of continuous improvement methodologies and lean six-sigma

This research paper delves into the importance of continuous and lean improvements within the context of Industry 4.0. As businesses navigate the digital revolution, enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and adaptability becomes paramount for maintaining competitiveness. The paper examines the principles of continuous and lean improvements, assessing their relevance in the Industry 4.0 landscape. Utilizing a grounded theory approach, it scrutinizes Industry 4.0 characteristics, market dynamics, disruptive forces, change management tools, and the attainment of lean operations. The findings emphasize the crucial role of continuous and lean improvements in enabling firms to navigate the dynamic Industry 4.0 landscape, effectively respond to market disruptions, and deliver enhanced value to customers. By providing actionable insights, the research paper equips companies to thrive in the digital revolution and leverage Industry 4.0 for sustainable growth. Data from 156 firms, gathered through a five-points-Likert scale questionnaire, informs the research paper. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software are used for statistical analyses that look at multicollinearity, content validity, and consistency, construct validity, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and the links between technological disruptions, the rise of agile companies, and overall performance. Results indicate that industry transformations directly and indirectly influence the evolution of Industry 4.0 and agility, empowering companies to develop effective strategies to overcome challenges posed by the digital revolution. To achieve this, companies must overhaul production systems, adopt innovative relationship management approaches, recognize and utilize existing organizational knowledge, and integrate it into product development, production operations, and marketing strategies.

Legal Reconstruction of the Legality of Digital Telemedicine in the Health Industry

The emergence of telemedicine as a digital transformation in the healthcare industry is a remarkable innovation that merges cutting-edge technology with community involvement. The progress has been found to enhance the quality of healthcare services but also poses challenges to ethical values in medicine that must be upheld to safeguard human dignity. Consequently, there is a pressing need to reform laws that can safeguard both healthcare providers and patients. Suggested legal reforms include modifying medical practice regulations to ensure equitable legal protection for doctors and patients during telemedicine consultations and bolstering the use of medical records as evidence in conflict resolution. These measures are aimed at ensuring that technological advancements in healthcare align with the values of Pancasila, which prioritize scientific values, fairness, justice, humanity, and balance, as well as the safety and protection of patients.

Analysis of the Impact of Digital Transformation on the Management of Elderly Care Institutions

With the rapid advancement of technology, digital transformation has become a crucial trend in the management and transformation of various industries. This article aims to analyze the application of digital technologies such as intelligent surveillance systems, health data management systems, and interactive platforms in elderly care institutions. It discusses the impact of digital transformation on the management of these institutions and addresses the challenges faced during this transformation. The article proposes corresponding implementation strategies, offering new perspectives for the research and development of digital transformation in elderly care institutions.

Fiscal decentralization and the transformation of regional energy structures in China: Spatial spillover effects and the mediating role of technological innovation

The transformation of regional energy structures plays a pivotal role in enhancing ecological quality and advancing national green development efficiency. However, this transformation is characterized by dual externalities, necessitating governmental intervention to rectify market failures. Therefore, this study focuses on the critical influence and mechanisms through which local governments affect regional energy structure transformation, particularly within the context of China's unique fiscal decentralization. This study explores the impact of fiscal decentralization on the transformation of China's regional energy structures and its spatial correlations. Employing a bidirectional fixed-effect model and a spatial Durbin model, we analyze Chinese provincial panel data from 2002 to 2021 to explore the effects of fiscal decentralization on regional energy structure transformation and its spatial spillover. Findings reveal that fiscal decentralization significantly enhances the efficiency of regional energy structure transformation, with an effect coefficient of 0.127. Additionally, the fiscal decentralization mechanism positively influences spatial spillover effects on regional energy transformation, with these effects becoming more pronounced alongside higher degrees of economic agglomeration. Moreover, local governments are found to foster regional scientific and technological innovation, thereby facilitating adjustments in the regional industrial structure and promoting energy structure transformation. The intermediary effect test highlights the role of local governments in promoting scientific and technological advancements that drive industrial restructuring and energy transformation. The study recommends for a long-term strategy to balance central and local financial development, aiming to enhance the efficiency of regional energy structure transformation. These findings offer a theoretical foundation and policy recommendations for optimizing and transforming energy structures in pursuit of China's green and high-quality development goals. These findings offer globally relevant insights into leveraging fiscal decentralization for energy structure transformation, supporting sustainable development and green growth worldwide.

Green Energy Management in Manufacturing Based on Demand Prediction by Artificial Intelligence—A Review

Energy efficiency in production systems and processes is a key global research topic, especially in light of the Green Deal, Industry 4.0/5.0 paradigms, and rising energy prices. Research on improving the energy efficiency of production based on artificial intelligence (AI) analysis brings promising solutions, and the digital transformation of industry towards green energy is slowly becoming a reality. New production planning rules, the optimization of the use of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), industrial cyber-physical systems (ICPSs), and the effective use of production data and their optimization with AI bring further opportunities for sustainable, energy-efficient production. The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate and quantify the research results, trends, and research impact on energy management in production based on AI-based demand forecasting. The value of the research includes the broader use of AI which will reduce the impact of the observed environmental and economic problems in the areas of reducing energy consumption, forecasting accuracy, and production efficiency. In addition, the demand for Green AI technologies in creating sustainable solutions, reducing the impact of AI on the environment, and improving the accuracy of forecasts, including in the area of optimization of electricity storage, will increase. A key emerging research trend in green energy management in manufacturing is the use of AI-based demand forecasting to optimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and increase sustainability. An innovative perspective that leverages AI’s ability to accurately forecast energy demand allows manufacturers to align energy consumption with production schedules, minimizing excess energy consumption and emissions. Advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms can integrate real-time data from various sources, such as weather patterns and market demand, to improve forecast accuracy. This supports both sustainability and economic efficiency. In addition, AI-based demand forecasting can enable more dynamic and responsive energy management systems, paving the way for smarter, more resilient manufacturing processes. The paper’s contribution goes beyond mere description, making analyses, comparisons, and generalizations based on the leading current literature, logical conclusions from the state-of-the-art, and the authors’ knowledge and experience in renewable energy, AI, and mechatronics.

“Crowding Out” or “Reservoir Effect”? Unraveling the Impact of Financialization on Green Innovation in Heavy Polluting Enterprises: Evidence from China’s Listed Companies

In the era of green transformation and sustainable development, green innovation has become a key force driving the greenization of the economy and society, as well as achieving global sustainable development goals. This study aims to investigate the impact of financialization on green innovation in heavy polluting enterprises, a sector where enhancing green innovation capabilities is crucial for both industry transformation and sustained economic growth. As the financialization of enterprises deepens, its effects on green innovation become increasingly significant. Based on data from 667 listed companies in China, we explore the mechanisms through which financialization influences green innovation. Our findings reveal that financialization has both a potential “reservoir” effect, which provides financial support for green innovation, and a significant “crowding out” effect, with the latter outweighing the former, thereby suppressing investment in green innovation. Further analysis indicates that these effects exhibit significant heterogeneity across different property rights, regions, and corporate debt-to-asset ratios. Additionally, the short-term debt-paying ability of enterprises and market competitiveness play important regulatory and threshold roles in this relationship. This study not only provides a new perspective for understanding the relationship between the financialization of heavy polluting enterprises and green innovation but also offers valuable insights for promoting the coordinated development of both and addressing the challenges of green innovation.

Research on the correlation between the degree of digitization of manufacturing process links and economic benefits

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a reference for the development of digital transformation from the perspective of manufacturing process links.Design/methodology/approachThis paper applies canonical correlation analysis based on digital technology patents in the key links of manufacturing industries (product design, procurement, product manufacturing, warehousing and transportation, and wholesale and retail) and the related indicators of economic benefits of regions in China.Findings(1) The degree of digitalization of manufacturing process links is significantly correlated with economic benefits. (2) The improvement of the degree of digitalization in the “product design” link, the “warehousing and transportation” link, the “product manufacturing” link and the “wholesale and retail” link has significant impacts on the economic benefits of manufacturing industry. (3) The digital degree of the “procurement” link has no obvious influence on the economic benefits of manufacturing industry.Practical implicationsThe research results can provide reference for the formulation and implementation of micro policies. The strategy of improving the level of digital transformation of key links of manufacturing industry is put forward to better promote both the digital transformation of manufacturing industry and economic development.Originality/valueThis paper innovatively studies the relationship between digitalization of manufacturing process links and economic benefits. The findings can provide theoretical and empirical support for the digital transformation of China's manufacturing industry and high-quality development of economy.