Ms. Xiaoshu Sun is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Applied Economics at Northeastern University, Shenyang, China. Her research focuses on the digital economy, green economy, and income distribution. She has published multiple papers in reputed journals including SSCI, SCI, and Scopus-indexed publications. Her recent work explores the impact of digital technology on rural-urban income disparity and the coupling between digital transformation and green manufacturing efficiency in China. Using advanced models like the non-expected SBM-DEM, she has contributed valuable insights into regional development dynamics. Ms. Sun also serves on the editorial board of Asia Pacific Economic and Management Review.

Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Xiaoshu Sun began her academic journey with a strong foundation in economics, demonstrating a keen interest in understanding the evolving dynamics of modern economies. Her passion for exploring the intersections between technology, sustainability, and economic equity led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Economics at Northeastern University, Shenyang, China. From early in her academic career, she was drawn to complex issues such as income distribution, the digital economy, and environmental sustainability. This solid academic base has equipped her with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to tackle pressing global economic challenges.

Professional Endeavors

Though currently a Ph.D. student, Ms. Sun’s professional contributions are already noteworthy. She has authored and co-authored several research papers published in internationally recognized journals such as Economic Research-Ekonomska Istrazivanja, Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Frontiers in Environmental Science, and PLOS ONE. These publications have addressed vital questions surrounding economic modernization, particularly in the context of China’s rapid digital transformation and green development initiatives.

In addition to her academic publishing, Ms. Sun holds an editorial appointment with the Asia Pacific Economic and Management Review, where she contributes to the peer review and knowledge dissemination processes. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing scholarly dialogue in her fields of interest.

Contributions and Research Focus

Ms. Xiaoshu Sun’s research is primarily focused on three interconnected areas:

• Digital Economy

• Green Economy

• Income Distribution

One of her most significant contributions involves using the non-expected SBM-DEM model to measure green manufacturing efficiency across 274 prefecture-level cities in China. This empirical study has revealed that the coupling coordination between digitalization and green efficiency remains relatively low, with stark regional disparities. Notably, her findings emphasize that the digital economy exerts a positive “radiation effect”, meaning it not only boosts green manufacturing efficiency within a region but also benefits neighboring areas through technological spillovers. She further discovered that industrial agglomeration serves as a partial mediating factor in this process, highlighting the importance of industrial clustering in enhancing regional development.

Her published works reflect a strong methodological foundation, including the application of Spatial Durbin Modelling to analyze spatial effects and interdependencies. These insights are vital for policymakers aiming to bridge the digital divide and promote environmentally sustainable industrial growth.

Accolades and Recognition

While Ms. Sun is still in the early stages of her professional journey, her scholarly output has already earned international attention through publications in SSCI, SCI, and Scopus-indexed journals. This achievement is significant, especially for a Ph.D. candidate, and points to the rigorous quality and relevance of her work. Furthermore, her appointment to the editorial board of an academic journal at this stage of her career is a testament to her growing recognition within the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Ms. Sun’s research has direct implications for economic policy, urban planning, and sustainable development in China and other emerging economies. By highlighting the nuanced interactions between digital innovation and green growth, she offers a valuable roadmap for achieving sustainable economic modernization. Her findings advocate for targeted policy interventions to enhance digital infrastructure, foster industrial clusters, and balance regional development.

Moreover, her work contributes to global academic conversations around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as industry innovation (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Ms. Xiaoshu Sun is poised to become a leading scholar in applied economics with a particular focus on the digital-green transition. As she progresses in her academic career, she is likely to engage in policy consultancy, interdisciplinary collaborations, and potentially take on advisory roles in governmental or international organizations. Her ability to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world application will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of sustainable economic policies.

With her proven analytical skills, dedication to sustainability, and commitment to academic excellence, Ms. Sun is set to leave a lasting impact not only in China but also on the broader global stage.

Publication Top Notes