Based on the urban panel data of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei from 2009 to 2021, this article constructs an indicator system for the development level of the digital economy and regional integration, evaluates the impact of the digital economy on the integration development levels of different types of cities. The study found that (1) The digital economy significantly promotes the integration level of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. The study divides Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei into two categories: large cities and small and medium-sized cities. Large cities and small and medium-sized cities have different effects on the relationship between the digital economy and integration level. (2) From the analysis of different dimensions of the digital economy, digital network infrastructure improvements, industrial digitization, and digital society can all promote regional integration. However, different digital economy contents have different promotional effects on different types of cities. (3) From the results of the mechanism analysis, it can be seen that the optimization of the allocation of human and capital elements, the increase in patent innovation, and the reduction of transaction costs will help enhance the driving force of the digital economy for regional integration. Among them, innovative development significantly impacts large cities’ integration levels. The promotion effect is more significant, and small and medium-sized cities are mainly affected by reduced transaction costs and the optimized allocation of capital factors. This study further expands the impact mechanism of the digital economy on the level of regional integration development. It provides a more in-depth analysis of the use of the digital economy to achieve coordinated regional development in regions with excessive economic and technological differences through heterogeneity research.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize enhancing agricultural productivity sustainably and strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems amidst rising economic uncertainties, escalating climate change risks, and geopolitical tensions. Amidst these challenges, the relentless progress of digital and information technologies heralds the digital economy as a potential game-changer for agricultural productivity. In 2023, the scale of China’s digital economy reached 7.64 trillion US dollars, accounting for 42.8% of China’s GDP, with the contribution of digital economy growth to GDP growth reaching 66.45%. As a nascent yet formidable force in the global economy, the digital economy is reshaping industries worldwide, particularly the agricultural sector. Food security and sustainability could potentially be affected by the digital economy, while agricultural productivity is a crucial element of food security and sustainability. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the extent to which the digital economy (DE) contributes to agricultural technical efficiency (ATE) in the context of China and to explore the mechanisms through which this impact is mediated and the implications for regional disparities. This study delves into the Chinese context, examining the empirical evidence of how the DE bolsters ATE utilizing provincial panel data. Key findings reveal the following: (1) DE exerts a significant and positive impact on ATE, demonstrating robust effects. (2) Marketization acts as a pivotal mediation mechanism in transmitting the positive influence of DE on ATE. (3) DE fosters convergence in ATE, narrowing regional disparities. Based on these insights, we propose strategic recommendations to mitigate agricultural production risks in agricultural productivity and propel food security and sustainability in China.