Spatial–temporal coupling coordination and interaction between digitalization and traditional industrial upgrading: a case study of the Yellow River Basin

The realization of coupling coordination between digitalization and traditional industrial upgrading in the Yellow River Basin holds significant practical value for promoting high-quality industrial development in the region. In order to assess this coupling coordination, we utilized inter-provincial panel data from nine provinces in the Yellow River Basin, covering the period from 2011 to 2020. Through the application of a coupling coordination degree model, we calculated the degree of coupling coordination and relative development between digitalization and traditional industrial upgrading. Additionally, we conducted a spatial–temporal analysis to identify the characteristics and trends of digitalization and traditional industrial upgrading. Furthermore, we constructed a panel VAR model to examine the interactive relationship between these two factors. The findings are as follows: (1) overall, over the study period, the degree of coupling coordination between digitalization and traditional industrial upgrading in the Yellow River Basin transitioned from a disordered state to a run-in stage. The corresponding development type changed from a low steady state to a co-existence of low and medium steady states. Notably, the levels of digitalization, traditional industrial upgrading, and coupling coordination all exhibited a gradual increase, while the relative development degree declined. (2) The coupling coordination degree between digitalization and traditional industrial upgrading in the Yellow River Basin demonstrated significant regional variation. Provinces displaying a “high–high” agglomeration distribution and “low–low” agglomeration distribution were concentrated in the middle and lower reaches, as well as the upper reaches, of the Yellow River. Furthermore, there was a positive spatial autocorrelation between these regions. (3) Both digitalization and traditional industrial upgrading exhibit self-reinforcing mechanisms, and a long-term dynamic correlation exists between them.