The Impact and Mechanism of Rural E-Commerce Development on Rural Industrial Revitalization: Evidence from China_Vol. 3 No. 2 (JMSD 2026)_Journal of Management and Social Development (ISSN: 3005-5741)

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The Impact and Mechanism of Rural E-Commerce Development on Rural Industrial Revitalization: Evidence from China

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmsd.202612204

Author(s)

Ge Wang*, Hao Chen

Affiliation(s)

School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Rural industry revitalization is central to the overall effort of rejuvenating rural areas, and the advancement of digital villages provides a key strategic pathway to attain this goal. Serving as a key point of integration between the digital economy and rural sectors, rural e-commerce has gradually become an effective pathway for improving productivity in rural areas. This study utilizes provincial-level panel data from China for the period 2014–2022 as its research sample and employs a two-way fixed effects model to empirically examine the impact of rural e-commerce expansion on rural industrial revitalization, while also exploring the mechanisms through which this effect is transmitted. The results suggest that rural e-commerce expansion significantly boosts rural industrial revitalization, which remain consistent across various robustness tests. Second, further analysis indicates that the development of e-commerce shapes rural industrial progress primarily through digital financial inclusion as well as the vibrancy of rural startups and job markets, which act as crucial conduits. Third, there are pronounced spatial and temporal variations in the influence of rural e‑commerce. The strongest effect appears in the east, followed by the central region, whereas the west experiences no significant influence. Furthermore, the empowering role of rural e-commerce becomes evident only in regions with moderate to high levels of e-commerce development. As this level increases, the corresponding driving effect strengthens, indicating clear threshold characteristics. In light of these findings, policy efforts should prioritize the enhancement of rural e-commerce infrastructure, adopt region-specific support measures, and reinforce the synergy between financial services and employment initiatives. These measures would enable rural e-commerce to play a stronger role in propelling rural industrial renewal.

Keywords

Rural E-Commerce; Rural Industrial Revitalization; Digital Inclusive Finance; Entrepreneurship and Employment

References

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