Research on the Influence Mechanism of Digital Transformation on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces in Manufacturing Enterprises – Based on the Spatial Perspective

As digital transformation (Digital) accelerates globally, conventional enterprise production models are proving increasingly insufficient to meet the demands of today’s dynamic market landscape. China has innovated the concept of New Quality Productivity (NQPF), and exploring its functioning is critical to promoting high-quality enterprise development. This study examines the impact mechanism of Digital on NQPF in manufacturing firms by applying spatial econometric models—including the spatial Durbin model, spatial mediation model, and spatial threshold model—to panel data from A-share listed manufacturers (2013–2022). The results indicate that digital transformation significantly influences the level of NQPF, exhibiting spatial spillover effects and spatial attenuation boundaries. This influence initially promotes and subsequently inhibits productivity. The analysis of the spatial mediation effect reveals that Digital affects enterprise productivity levels by influencing total factor productivity. Furthermore, the spatial threshold effect analysis indicates that higher total enterprise assets enhance the positive impact of Digital on NQPF. These results provide robust micro-level empirical evidence to inform manufacturing enterprise development strategies.