Influential effect analysis of digital transportation policies on urban economic green transition – Nature

 

Report on the Impact of Digital Transportation on Urban Economic Green Transition and the Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report analyzes the influential effect of Digital Transportation (DT) policies on the green transition of urban economies, with a specific focus on its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on an empirical study of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, the analysis reveals that DT is a significant driver for urban sustainability. Key findings indicate that while DT positively promotes the green transition, its impact is characterized by regional disparities, time lags, and heterogeneity. The report concludes that targeted DT policies are crucial for advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Policy recommendations are provided for government, industry, and citizens to leverage DT for a comprehensive and sustainable urban transformation.

1. Introduction: Digital Transportation as a Catalyst for the SDGs

The global agenda for sustainable development necessitates a green transition in urbanization, moving beyond pure economic growth to embrace environmental and social well-being. This aligns directly with several SDGs. Digital Transportation (DT), as a core component of smart city infrastructure, emerges as a critical enabler for this transition. By integrating digital technologies into transport systems, DT offers innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the quality of urban life.

1.1. Theoretical Link to Sustainable Development Goals

The implementation of DT directly contributes to several SDGs:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: DT represents a significant innovation in public infrastructure, fostering technological advancement and creating resilient, modern transportation networks.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By optimizing traffic flow, reducing congestion, and improving public transit, DT helps make cities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: DT facilitates a green transition by reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation sector through intelligent traffic management, promotion of green travel modes, and enhanced energy efficiency.

This report examines the mechanisms through which DT drives this green transition, providing an empirical basis for policies aimed at achieving these global goals.

2. Methodology: Measuring Sustainable Urban Development

To quantify the impact of DT on urban sustainability, this study employs a multi-faceted analytical approach using panel data from 31 Chinese provinces (2011-2020).

2.1. Key Indicators for Sustainability Assessment

1. Digital Transportation (DT) Index: A comprehensive index was constructed to measure the development level of DT. It incorporates four dimensions:
   • Transportation infrastructure coverage
   • Transportation infrastructure utilization
   • Integrated transportation intelligence
   • Transportation green development
2. Ecology–Urbanization Coupling Coordination Degree (EUCCD): This report defines and utilizes the EUCCD as a primary indicator for urban economic sustainability, reflecting the balance between urbanization and ecological health. This metric serves as a proxy for progress towards SDG 11 by measuring the coordinated development of urban systems and their environmental impact.

2.2. Analytical Models

The study utilized the entropy method to calculate the weights and comprehensive scores for the DT and EUCCD indices. Subsequently, fixed-effect panel models and the System Generalized Method of Moments (SYS-GMM) were employed to analyze the causal relationship between DT development and the EUCCD, controlling for variables such as economic development, technological innovation, and industrial structure.

3. Analysis of Findings: DT’s Role in Green Urban Transition

The empirical analysis yielded several critical insights into the relationship between DT and urban sustainability in China.

3.1. Regional Disparities in DT and Sustainability

A significant finding is the pronounced regional difference in the development levels of both DT and the EUCCD. Eastern provinces like Guangdong and Jiangsu demonstrate higher DT levels, while central and northeastern regions show better EUCCD scores. This highlights an uneven progression towards SDG 9 and SDG 11 across the country, indicating that a one-size-fits-all policy approach is insufficient. The “digital divide” in transportation infrastructure exacerbates regional development imbalances.

3.2. The Positive but Lagged Impact of DT on Sustainability

The regression analysis confirms that DT has a statistically significant positive effect on urban economic sustainability (EUCCD). This supports the hypothesis that investments in smart infrastructure under SDG 9 directly contribute to the goals of SDG 11 and SDG 13. However, the analysis also reveals a time lag; the long-term impact of DT is greater than its short-term effect. This suggests that the benefits of DT infrastructure, such as reduced emissions and improved efficiency, accumulate over time and require sustained investment and policy support.

3.3. Heterogeneity and the Influence of Policy

The impact of DT is not uniform. The effect is significantly stronger in regions with higher economic development and in provinces designated as DT policy pilots. This underscores two points:

• Economic Foundation: Advanced economies are better positioned to leverage DT for sustainable gains.
• Policy Guidance: Proactive government policy, as seen in the pilot provinces, is a powerful catalyst for accelerating the green transition. This finding emphasizes the importance of strategic governance and partnerships, a core principle of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

4. Conclusions and Policy Recommendations for Achieving the SDGs

This report confirms that Digital Transportation is a vital tool for advancing the urban economic green transition and achieving key Sustainable Development Goals. The development of DT fosters innovation (SDG 9), builds sustainable cities (SDG 11), and contributes to climate action (SDG 13).

4.1. Summary of Key Contributions

• There are significant regional differences in the development of DT and urban sustainability, posing a challenge to inclusive development under SDG 11.
• DT has a demonstrable promoting effect on economic sustainability, though this effect is subject to a time lag and regional heterogeneity.
• The implementation of DT policy pilots has a significant positive impact, highlighting the crucial role of government in steering development towards the SDGs.

4.2. Policy Recommendations

To maximize the contribution of DT to the Sustainable Development Goals, the following actions are recommended for key stakeholders:

For Governments:

1. Develop Integrated National Strategies: Create strategic plans that explicitly link DT development with national targets for SDG 9, 11, and 13. Address regional disparities by providing targeted support to lagging regions to close the “digital divide.”
2. Strengthen Smart Infrastructure: Increase investment in intelligent transportation infrastructure, including IoT sensors, big data analytics platforms, and smart traffic management systems, to build the foundation for sustainable urban mobility.
3. Foster an Enabling Policy Environment: Use policy levers such as tax incentives, green bonds, and carbon trading mechanisms to encourage private sector investment in green transportation technologies.

For Industry:

1. Drive Technological Innovation: Invest in R&D for green DT solutions, such as energy-efficient vehicles, smart logistics, and low-carbon mobility services.
2. Establish Industry Standards: Collaborate to create standardized protocols for DT systems to ensure interoperability, data security, and scalability, contributing to resilient infrastructure under SDG 9.

For Citizens and Civil Society:

1. Promote Green Behavior: Launch public awareness campaigns to encourage the use of green and shared mobility options facilitated by DT, such as bike-sharing and smart public transit.
2. Participate in Global Dialogue: Engage in international cooperation and knowledge-sharing to learn from global best practices in DT and sustainable urbanism, fostering partnerships as envisioned in SDG 17.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• The article’s central theme is Digital Transportation (DT), which is a form of technological innovation applied to infrastructure. It discusses the development of “new transportation infrastructures,” “infrastructure optimization,” and the use of “innovative digital technologies” like “intelligent traffic management” and “intelligent high-speed toll collection.” This directly aligns with building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The research focuses on the role of DT in the “development of smart cities” and achieving “urban economic green transition.” It explicitly aims to analyze the impact of DT on “urban development sustainability.” The article discusses improving public transport, reducing traffic congestion, and balancing urbanization with ecological concerns, which are core components of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The article is framed “in the context of carbon neutrality” and explores how DT can help achieve “low carbon emissions.” It mentions that DT can “reduce road pressure and emissions” and lower the “carbon emission intensity of the transportation industry.” This connects directly to integrating climate change measures into policies and planning.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The study investigates the effect of DT on “urban economic sustainability” and “economic green transition.” It analyzes how technological advancements in transportation can support “high-quality sustainability” and a “virtuous urban economy cycle,” which relates to promoting sustainable economic growth by decoupling it from environmental degradation.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The article mentions that a key benefit of DT is the reduction of “energy consumption” and the improvement of “energy efficiency.” It cites research on “energy-saving intelligent road infrastructure” and how intelligent logistics can reduce energy consumption, linking the topic to improving energy efficiency.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

1. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.
   • The article extensively covers the development and upgrading of transportation infrastructure through digitalization. It mentions building a “national traffic control network,” “smart highway pilots,” and improving the “transportation ‘artery’ in domestic circulation.” The goal is to create “high-quality transportation” that supports “high-quality sustainability.”
2. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
   • The article’s focus on “green transition,” “green intelligence technologies,” and “green technological innovation” in the transportation industry directly addresses this target. It discusses how DT can “reduce the carbon emission intensity of the transportation industry” and improve the “green level of the urban transportation artery.”

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

1. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
   • The article highlights that a key goal of DT is to “meet the needs of citizens for better quality of traveling demands” and improve public services. It mentions the “application and promotion of public transport facilities” and using DT to enhance “convenience, safety, and wisdom” in transportation.
2. Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for… sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • The entire study is centered on the concept of “green urbanization transformation” and measures the “ecology–urbanization coupling coordination degree” (EUCCD) to quantify “the level of urban development sustainability.” This directly relates to managing urbanization in a sustainable way.
3. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality…
   • The article discusses how DT can alleviate “urban traffic pollution” and reduce emissions. The EUCCD indicator system, a core part of the study, includes measures for “environmental pollution and ecological damage,” such as “total nitrogen oxide emissions from motor vehicles” and “total motor vehicle smoke emissions.”

SDG 13: Climate Action

1. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • The paper analyzes the “influential effect analysis of digital transportation policies on urban economic green transition.” It specifically examines the impact of the “DT policy pilot” in several Chinese provinces, demonstrating how a national strategy (digital transformation) is being used to achieve climate-related goals like “carbon neutrality” and “low carbon emissions.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

For Target 9.1 (Sustainable Infrastructure):

• The article constructs a detailed indicator system to measure the “level of transportation infrastructure coverage.” Specific indicators mentioned include:
  • Road miles
  • Rail operating miles
  • Inland waterway miles
  • Total motorway mileage
  • Length of fiber optic cable lines
  • Number of transport scientists

For Target 11.2 (Sustainable Transport Systems):

• The study uses several indicators to measure the utilization and safety of transport systems, which are relevant to this target. These include:
  • Public transport vehicles
  • Freight turnover and passenger volume
  • The number of accidents, deaths, and injuries

For Target 11.6 (Reduce Environmental Impact of Cities):

• The article explicitly uses environmental indicators to measure the “green development level” of transportation and the overall ecological status of cities. These indicators are:
  • Total nitrogen oxide emissions from motor vehicles
  • Total motor vehicle smoke emissions
  • Road traffic noise monitoring
  • General industrial solid waste generation rates
  • Road greening mileage

For Target 8.4 and 11.3 (Sustainable Economic Growth and Urbanization):

• The primary indicator developed and used in the article is the “ecology–urbanization coupling coordination degree” (EUCCD). The paper defines it as an indicator “to quantify the level of urban economic sustainability” and “to denote the coordination status between economic urbanization and ecological balance.” This composite index, built from 46 individual indicators across ecological and urbanization subsystems, serves as a direct measure of progress towards decoupling economic urbanization from environmental harm.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure	9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.	Road miles, Rail operating miles Total motorway mileage Length of fiber optic cable lines Number of transport scientists
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure	9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable… with greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.	Level of integrated transportation intelligence (composite indicator) Level of transportation green development (composite indicator) Promotion of “green intelligence technologies” and “green technological innovation”
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.	Public transport vehicles Passenger volume Number of accidents, deaths, injuries
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization.	“Ecology–urbanization coupling coordination degree” (EUCCD) Population urbanization rate (Pquality)
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.	Total nitrogen oxide emissions from motor vehicles Total motor vehicle smoke emissions Road traffic noise monitoring General industrial solid waste generation rates
SDG 13: Climate Action	13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.	Analysis of the “DT policy pilot” as a climate-integrated national policy Reduction in “carbon emission intensity of the transportation industry”
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	8.4: Improve resource efficiency and decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.	“Ecology–urbanization coupling coordination degree” (EUCCD) as a measure of decoupling Regional GDP per capita (Lngdp)
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy	7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.	Qualitative mention of “energy consumption reduction” and improving “energy efficiency” through DT

Source: nature.com