EIREducational Innovation Research3029-18443029-1852Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/EIR.v4i7.16034ArticleThe Formation Logic of Regional Differentiation in the Digital Transformation of the Equipment Manufacturing Industry Under the Threshold of Digital Infrastructurehttps://artdesignp.com/journal/EIR/4/7/10.26689/EIR.v4i7.16034WangPan,JingZhizhong,LianYuru,PengYouhang2026472026-07-26The digital transformation of the equipment manufacturing industry exhibits a significant and continuously widening trend of regional divergence in the spatial dimension. Based on threshold theory, this study systematically elucidates the formation logic of regional differentiation under the constraints of digital infrastructure thresholds. The research indicates that the investment threshold of digital infrastructure, the threshold of digital human capital, and the composite threshold of factor synergy are intertwined and progress layer by layer, jointly constituting a constraint system for the digital transformation of the equipment manufacturing industry. Differences in factor endowments, geographic spatial decay, and variations in policy coordination are the three underlying causes of regional divergence. Amplified by threshold effects, these three factors overlap with each other, causing the transformation gap between early-movers and late-comers to exhibit a self-reinforcing and solidifying trend. Overcoming these thresholds requires implementing a trinity strategic combination: proactive layout of infrastructure, simultaneous introduction and cultivation of digital talent, and category-based regional policy implementation. This study provides a theoretical reference for understanding the formation mechanism of the regional digital divide and promoting coordinated regional development.Digital infrastructure,Threshold effect,Equipment manufacturing industry,Regional divergence

[1] CPC Central Committee, State Council, 2023, Overall Layout Plan for the Construction of Digital China, visited on July 10, 2026, https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2023-02/27/content_5743484.htm. [2] Wang S, Xue Z, 2024, How Does the Digital Economy Empower the High-Quality Development of Manufacturing Industry?—Based on the Test of Mediation Effect and Threshold Effect. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 16(2): 7164–7190. [3] Yan B, Wang Y, 2024, Evaluating the Impact of Technological Development Policy on the High-Quality Development of the Manufacturing Industry: Mechanisms and Threshold Effects. Heliyon, 10(16): e35858. [4] Lan X, Hu Z, Pei X, et al., 2026, Does Digital Infrastructure Promote the Upgrading of Manufacturing Enterprises? Evidence From China. Growth and Change, 57(1): e70101. [5] Yishake R, Sui D, Lv X, 2026, The Impact of Digital New Infrastructure on the Balanced Development of Digital–Real Economy Integration: Evidence for Sustainable Regional Growth. Sustainability, 18(10): 4636. [6] Jia X, Li X, 2025, Has Digital Infrastructure Accelerated Enterprises' Specialization? Evidence From China. Business Process Management Journal, 31(4): 1560–1578. [7] Yang L, Liu Y, 2025, The Impact of Digital Infrastructure on Industrial Chain Resilience: Evidence From China's Manufacturing. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 37(10): 1112–1128. [8] Yu C, Charlène I, Yingliang Z, et al., 2026, Digital Infrastructure Development and Its Impact on Labour Market Segmentation: The Mediating Role of Regional Innovation Capacity and Heterogeneous Effects. Applied Economics, 58(35): 7234–7245. [9] Zhao G, Zhang J, Chen W, 2026, Environmental Regulation Policy and Enterprise Digital Transformation: Evidence From Low-Carbon City Policies in China. International Journal of Emerging Markets, 21(1): 212–243. [10] Dong Y, Qi C, Gui C, et al., 2025, Spatial Spillover Effects of Digital Infrastructure on Food System Resilience: An Analysis Incorporating Threshold Effects and Spatial Decay Boundaries. Foods, 14(9): 1484.