Coupling coordination between digital economy and healthcare service resources in China: Spatiotemporal evolution patterns and driving mechanisms

Abstract

Objective: This study systematically measures the coupling coordination between China's digital economy and healthcare service resources, reveals their spatiotemporal evolution, and identifies key driving factors. Methods: Using panel data from 31 Chinese provinces (2012–2023), we constructed a comprehensive evaluation system. The entropy weight method determined indicator weights, the coupling coordination degree model assessed coordinated development levels, kernel density estimation analyzed dynamic trends, spatial autocorrelation examined agglomeration characteristics, and the spatial Durbin model explored regional driving mechanisms. Results: The coupling coordination degree increased continuously from initial to medium-high coordination, with significant regional disparities: “high-stable coordination in the east, improvement in the center, and catch-up growth in the west.” Spatial analysis revealed significant negative dependence with clustered low-value areas. Economic development, education, population aging, urbanization, and government digitalization significantly influenced coordination with regional heterogeneity: the east showed synergistic effects, the center relied on factor inputs, and the west faced resource diffusion constraints. Conclusion: While coordination levels are improving, regional imbalances persist. Promoting balanced digital infrastructure, optimizing resource mobility, and improving digital governance are essential for synergistic development.