Exploring the Influence of the Digital Economy on Energy, Economic, and Environmental Resilience: A Multinational Study across Varied Carbon Emission Groups

Abstract

Rapid advancements in digital technologies have accelerated global change, underscoring the critical role of resilience in addressing the escalating energy, economic, and environmental challenges. This paper investigates the effects and mechanisms of the digital economy on energy, economic, and environmental resilience within the context of these challenges. By utilizing panel data from 66 countries spanning the period from 2000 to 2020, this analysis employs robust panel data models and incorporates tests such as the Hausman and Leamer tests, and exploratory factor analysis. The results reveal a notable positive impact of the digital economy on resilience across various countries and time periods. However, when it comes to carbon emissions, a more intricate pattern emerges, suggesting a negative influence on resilience in environmental, energy, and economic domains. Interestingly, countries with below-average carbon emissions show more positive effects on economic resilience due to the digital economy. On the other hand, the effect of the digital economy on energy resilience is less prominent in below-average carbon-emitting nations, while carbon emissions have a more significant impact within this subgroup. Above-average carbon-emitting countries experience limited effects of the digital economy on environmental resilience, while below-average carbon-emitting countries face challenges with significant carbon emissions impacting their environmental resilience.