Abstract
Industrial agglomeration is an important way to affect total factor energy efficiency (TFEE), and digitalization level (DL) and green technology innovation (GTI) can help improve the effect of industrial agglomeration. This research examines the impact of specialized industrial agglomeration (SIA) and diversified industrial agglomeration (DIA), the two main forms of industrial agglomeration, on TFEE under the mediating role of GTI and the moderating role of DL. Three main results were obtained based on the China's provincial data from 2010 to 2021. (1) Both SIA and DIA can significantly promote TFEE, but their effects are different. (2) GTI plays a mediating role in the positive promotion effect of DIA and SIA on TFEE. In addition, GTI not only has obvious inertial effects in time, but also has significant spillover effects in space. (3) DL not only strengthens the impact of SIA or DIA on TFEE, but also enhances the impact of SIA or DIA on GTI. The results show that DL and GTI are effective ways for industrial agglomeration to build a sustainable economy. The article finally puts forward policy recommendations, emphasizing accelerating digital transformation, strengthening industrial agglomeration planning, promoting green technology innovation, and adopting a multi-path development model.
