Evaluation of digital economy development level based on multi-attribute decision theory

Area of Science:

• Economics
• Information Science
• Technology Management

Background:

• Emerging digital technologies (AI, cloud computing, blockchain, VR) are fostering a new economic form: the digital economy.
• The digital economy is characterized as clean, efficient, green, and recyclable, representing a future direction for global economic development, especially post-COVID-19.
• A scientifically sound and reasonable comprehensive evaluation model for digital economy development is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a comprehensive evaluation index system for digital economy development.
• To systematically evaluate the development level of China's digital economy across provinces and cities.
• To propose targeted recommendations for provincial digital economy construction in China.

Main Methods:

• Literature analysis to collect and screen digital economy development indicators using grey dynamic clustering and rough set reduction theory.
• Construction of an evaluation index system from four dimensions: digital innovation support, digital infrastructure, national economic environment and policy, and digital integration.
• Calculation of combined weights using group FAHP, entropy, and improved CRITIC methods, integrated with maximum variance.
• Systematic evaluation using grey correlation analysis and an improved VIKOR model for 31 Chinese provinces/cities (2013-2019).

Main Results:

• The overall development of China's digital economy demonstrates a trend of superposition and rise.
• Significant imbalances exist in the development of the digital economy across China's four major economic zones.
• Empirical analysis provides insights into regional disparities and growth patterns.

Conclusions:

• The developed evaluation model provides a scientific basis for assessing digital economy development.
• The findings highlight the uneven development of the digital economy in China, necessitating targeted interventions.
• Specific policy recommendations are proposed to foster provincial digital economy construction.