Title: Impact of digital economy on sustainable development in Chinese port cities

Authors: Fan Liu; Sihan Deng; Xutian Qin

Addresses: School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 430073, Wuhan, China ' School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 430073, Wuhan, China ' School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 430073, Wuhan, China

Abstract: This article combines panel data of 18 major Chinese port cities from 2011 to 2021. Partial least squares and coupled coordination degree models are used to explore the mechanism and relationship of digital economy on sustainable port development. Results show: 1) In terms of spatial-temporal evolution, the digital economy generally shown a stable growth trend, with significant differences between cities. In terms of dimensional evolution, developmental stages are digital infrastructure, industrial digitisation, and synergistic development of industrial digitisation and digital industrialisation; 2) the sustainable development of ports shows a fluctuating trend, with differences in levels and a 'Matthew effect'. Sustainable development levels are concentrated in the low, medium-low, and medium levels; 3) the impact of urban digital economy on port sustainable development involves three stages: port-driven, city-driven, and dual-driven, with high coupling between the two but relatively low coupling coordination degree.

Keywords: digital economy; port cities; sustainable development; coupling relationship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.153255

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2026 Vol.22 No.3, pp.427 - 465

Accepted: 11 Nov 2025
Published online: 29 Apr 2026 *

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