Unleashing new quality productivity for rural revitalization: a spatial panel data analysis of 282 cities in China

Rural areas worldwide face unprecedented challenges from rapid urbanization, necessitating transformative development pathways to rural revitalization. Here, we present a theoretical framework positioning new quality productivity (NQP)-a productivity paradigm driven by innovation-as a promising lever for rural revitalization. Using panel data from 282 cities in China spanning 2010-2021, we construct fixed effects models and two-stage least squares models to examine NQP's causal impact on rural revitalization outcomes. Our analysis reveals that NQP significantly enhances rural revitalization with lasting effects. Moderating effect models demonstrate that NQP's impact is more pronounced in economically developed eastern regions and under stronger government support. Spatial econometric models uncover substantial positive spillover effects extending to both geographically and economically proximate cities. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring NQP to local conditions, enhancing government guidance, and fostering cross-regional collaboration. Our study provides a systematic framework and robust evidence for the penetration of innovation-driven productivity into rural areas, offering actionable insights for public policies aimed at fostering sustainable rural development.