Exploration and Analysis on Development Level, Regional Differences and Driving Factors of Digital Economy in Henan Province

Based on the panel data of cities from 2017 to 2021, the digital economy evaluation system is constructed to estimate the development level, regional differences and driving factors of the digital economy in Henan Province. The results show that the digital economy of Henan Province has experienced rapid development, and the digital economy index and its growth rate have increased year by year. There are regional differences of development level, showing a "Center-Border" economic pattern. The difference of overall development level has a narrowing trend, and the digital economic activities have a spatial spillover effect. Fixed asset investment, regional research and development expenditure, the size of college graduates and per capita income all have a significant positive impact on the development of digital economy. Based on the test results, it puts forward some suggestions for accelerating the coordinated development of digital economy in Henan Province.