Digital economy, financial development and regional economic resilience

Based on panel data of Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2009 to 2023, this paper systematically examines the impact mechanism of the digital economy on regional economic resilience. The study finds that the digital economy can significantly promote the enhancement of regional economic resilience. Furthermore, the digital economy strengthens regional economic resilience by driving financial development. Additionally, a favorable business environment can significantly amplify the resilience-driving effect of the digital economy. Regional heterogeneity analysis indicates that the promoting effect of the digital economy on economic resilience is most pronounced in the western region. • The digital economy boosts regional economic resilience • The digital economy boosts regional economic resilience via financial development • The digital economy most boosts economic resilience in the west