Abstract

Based on panel data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2009 and 2023, this study innovatively constructs an indicator system for the data factor flow environment and empirically examines its impact mechanism on export resilience using a two-way fixed effects model. The findings reveal that optimizing the data factor flow environment significantly enhances export resilience, a conclusion robust to a series of tests. Furthermore, such optimization indirectly boosts export resilience by driving industrial structure upgrading and generating technology spillover effects. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the enhancing effect of the data factor flow environment on export resilience is more pronounced in central and western regions and within pilot free trade zones. This research confirms that the market-oriented allocation of data factors, by reducing information friction costs and accelerating the recombination of innovation factors, has become a central engine for strengthening export resilience in the digital economy era.