The Impact of the Digital Economy on Food System Resilience: Insights from a Study across 190 Chinese Towns

Abstract

This study explores the impact of the digital economy on the resilience of the food system, employing data from 190 towns in China and a difference-in-differences (DID) model. The results indicate that, between 2011 and 2020, the progress of the digital economy was instrumental in driving continuous improvements in the food system’s resilience in China. This conclusion stands firm after accounting for endogenous issues and conducting comprehensive robustness tests. According to a mechanism test, the digital economy can impact the resilience of the food system through three avenues: digital technology, digital finance, and human capital. Further research indicates that the influence of the digital economy on the resilience of the food system varies across regions and different food functional zones. These findings offer fresh insights and empirical evidence into the linkages between the digital economy and food system resilience. Such insights may bolster the food system’s resilience in developing countries and promote sustainable food development.

Unveiling Digital Transformation: A Catalyst for Enhancing Food Security and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals at the European Union Level

“…This perspective entails considering the needs and vulnerabilities of different social groups, as well as promoting sustainable and responsible agricultural and food practices. By adopting integrated policies and strategies, governments can contribute to building a more robust and sustainable food system capable of addressing future challenges and uncertainties [6].…”

“…Natural crises and factors of economic and social instability can severely disrupt the functioning of the food system [21]. Food system resilience highlights the importance of assessing and understanding all factors that can influence the system's capacity to adapt to and cope with future challenges [6,22,23]. Digital technologies used in agriculture, such as crop monitoring systems, data analysis, and agricultural e-commerce platforms, can contribute to more efficient resource management and increased resilience to climate change and other risks [12,[24][25][26].…”

“…Farmers can make better-informed decisions and more efficiently adapt agricultural practices to changing environmental conditions and market requirements [37]. Implementing technologies such as artificial intelligence, Big Data, the internet of things, and blockchain in the food system can improve operational efficiency, supply chain transparency, and food safety [6,[61][62][63][64][65]. Therefore, exploring and understanding the impact of the digital economy on the food system is an essential step in developing strategies and policies that promote a more robust and adaptable food system to environmental changes.…”

“…Building a resilient food system involves not only identifying and eliminating weaknesses but also creating mechanisms and structures that allow for rapid adaptation and recovery when facing uncertainty and changes [3,4]. Therefore, the concept of resilience provides a valuable approach to addressing the complexity and fragility of the food system and promoting a more robust and sustainable approach to food security [5][6][7].…”

“…Remote sensors provide continuous monitoring of crops, soil moisture levels, and environmental conditions, allowing for timely interventions and precise resource allocation. Agriculture precision technologies, such as GPS-guided machinery and variable rate application systems, enable farmers to optimize inputs, minimizing waste and maximizing productivity [6]. Smart farming integrates these technologies into comprehensive management systems, fostering sustainable practices and enhancing the resilience of agricultural production [8].…”