Spatiotemporal Evolution and Obstacle Factors of the Coupling Coordination Between Platform Economy and Real Economy

This study employs the entropy method and coupling coordination degree model to measure the coupling coordination level between platform economy and real economy development in 31 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2021. Static Kernel density estimation, traditional Markov chain, convergence models, obstacle degree model, and Tobit regression are utilized to characterize its dynamic evolution patterns and influencing factors. The findings reveal that: (1) The coupling coordination degree demonstrates an overall upward trend, with evident polarization in western regions. While no polarization is observed at national level and in eastern regions, it gradually diminishes in central regions. (2) Transition probabilities between coordination levels increase over time, particularly that proximity to provinces with higher coordination levels enhances upward transition probabilities. (3) Although σ-convergence is absent nationwide and across three major regions, β-convergence exists universally. Under absolute β-convergence, eastern and western regions exhibit faster convergence speeds than the national average, while central region shows relatively slower convergence. Conditional β-convergence further accelerates convergence speeds across all regions. (4) Internal obstacle factors primarily concentrate on real economy efficiency, platform transaction volume, and platform economic activities. Among external factors, economic environment and R&D expenditure significantly promote coordination enhancement.