Frontiers of Data and Computing ›› 2023, Vol. 5 ›› Issue (5): 23-34.

CSTR: 32002.14.jfdc.CN10-1649/TP.2023.05.003

doi: 10.11871/jfdc.issn.2096-742X.2023.05.003

• Special Issue: Key Technologies for Safe and Efficient Circulation of Data Elements • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A Study of the Impact of Regulations on Cross-Border Data Flow on the Export Technology Complexity of Digital Trade

CONG Yingnan1(),PENG You2,ZHU Jinqing3,*()   

  1. 1. Department of Industrial Economics, Business School, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing 100088, China
    2. The Institute for Data Law, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing 100088, China
    3. Beijing Bytedance Network Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing 100043, China
  • Received:2023-05-04 Online:2023-10-20 Published:2023-10-31

Abstract:

[Objective] As information technology is developing rapidly, cross-border data flow has become an important part of digital economy cross-border trade. Thus, establishing efficient cross-border data flow rules is the key to achieving high-quality development of the digital economy. [Methods] This paper uses the DTRI index released by ECIPE to measure the restrictiveness of cross-border data flow rules and uses export technology complexity to measure the quality of digital trade development. It tests the impact of restrictive rules on digital trade by constructing a benchmark regression model. [Results] Restrictions on data cross-border flow have a significant and robust negative impact on the export technology complexity of digital trade, which can be realized through two channels: technological innovation capability and digital infrastructure construction level. This negative impact has heterogeneity in both trade sector and national economic development level. [Conclusions] Establishing inclusive and prudent data cross-border flow rules, advancing sector-specific refined legislation, and improving the level of new infrastructure construction and technological innovation capability can effectively improve the efficiency of data cross-border flow. The research results of this paper provide a reference for the high-speed and high-quality growth of China’s digital trade, as well as the transformation and upgrade of industrial structure.

Key words: digital economy, data cross-border flow, digital trade, export technology complexity, data foundation system