Page 83 - ISC PROCEEDINGS 21.4

Code Variable description Data source Source
Number of fixed broadband General Statistics Cheng B, Li A, Wang
internet subscribers (ADSL) Office (GSO) Y, Yang N and Tian Y
General Statistics (2022)
Telecommunications revenue
Office (GSO)
Control variables
Research and Innovation
Zhang J, Zhao W,
Science and technology General Statistics Cheng B, Li A, Wang
CKH
expenditure Office (GSO) Y, Yang N and Tian Y
(2022)
General Statistics Jiangquan Wang et
BPM Number of patent grants
Office (GSO) al (2023)
Business Environment
General Statistics
CCN Industrial production index The authors
Office (GSO)
General Statistics
FDI Foreign direct investment Zhang Yunfei (2022)
Office (GSO)
General Statistics
SDN Number of active enterprises The authors
Office (GSO)
Human Capital
Bustonov M.
LD General Statistics
(measur Total labor force Office (GSO) Mardonakulovich
(2020)
ed by General Statistics
PCA) Informal employment rate The authors
Office (GSO)
Economic Growth
TT General Statistics
(measur Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Office (GSO)
ed by General Statistics Zhang Yunfei (2022)
PCA) Gross National Income (GNI) Office (GSO)
3.2. Research hypotheses
(i) H1: Digital economy development has a positive impact on sustainable
development.
Amid rising economic uncertainties, the transformation toward a digital economy
and the pursuit of sustainable development have become crucial for balancing economic
growth with sustainability. Wenqi Liao (2023) suggests that the digital economy can
indirectly support sustainability by fostering higher levels of green innovation.
(ii) H2: Scientific research and innovation development have a positive impact on
sustainable development
This hypothesis rests on the premise that the digital economy enhances resource
efficiency, lowers costs, and streamlines production and business operations through
digital technologies, while simultaneously fostering innovation and advancing green
economic development. Moreover, research and development capabilities—indicated by
science and technology spending and patent counts—are key drivers of sustainable
development.

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