A Study on the Differences in the Synergistic Development Level of Digitalization and Greenization in the Eastern and Central Regions of China
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors1. The introduction comprehensively outlines China's commitment to the digitization and greening of its economy and society, as well as the significance of the synergistic development of digitization and greening for achieving high-quality and sustainable development. However, providing more details on China's integration of digitization and greenery and the current issues would be beneficial. Additionally, the introduction could clarify the specific objectives of the research, aiding in highlighting the focus and contribution of the study.
2. The paper effectively outlines the construction of a comprehensive evaluation index system for the level of greening development and digitalization development. However, it would be best to provide more specific details explaining the rationale behind the selection of the dimensions and indicators included in the evaluation index system and their significance. This would help readers understand the scientific basis and relevance of the chosen dimensions and indicators.
3. Please carefully review the structure of the paper. The discussion section should not introduce new calculation processes and results but should instead select key results for in-depth discussion, emphasizing the significance and innovation of the study.
4. The conclusion comprehensively outlines the synergistic development of digitization and greening and provides an innovative three-dimensional approach. However, the conclusion should explicitly state the main contributions of the paper and provide specific recommendations for the future implementation of digitization and greening or future research. Furthermore, for clarity and precision, the conclusion could be condensed and reorganized. Some sentences are lengthy and complex, which may make it difficult for readers to grasp the main points.
5. Additionally, please pay attention to the formatting of the tables in the paper. If necessary, rewrite them to ensure that the results are clearly presented, enhancing visual impact.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguagePlease further proofread the manuscript.
Author Response
Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Those comments are all valuable and very helpful for revising and improving our paper, as well as the important guiding significance to our researches. We have studied comments carefully and have made correction which we hope meet with approval.Because another reviewer later submitted a revision, the paper has changed after adjustment. We apologize for the inconvenience caused. See Response to Reviewer 1 Comments(new).docx for details.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear Authors,
The abstract provides a good overview, but it could be more precise. Specify the key findings and their implications more clearly.
Please, expand the introduction to include a brief overview of the current state of digital and green development in the Eastern and Central regions of China. This context will help readers understand the relevance and urgency of the study​​. In other word, please answer the question: Why is your article relevant for readers?
Ensure consistency in terminology throughout the paper. For example, the terms "digitization" and "digitalization" are used interchangeably.
Regarding methodology, please elaborate more it, particularly on the comprehensive evaluation index system. Provide a rationale for choosing specific indicators and how they contribute to understanding the synergistic development​​.
Please explain why you chose the coupling coordination degree model. Discuss why this model is suitable for your study and how it helps in understanding the interaction between digitalization and greening​​.
Strengthen the comparative analysis section by highlighting key differences and similarities between the regions. Discuss why these differences exist and how they affect regional development.
Elaborate on the policy implications of your findings. Offer clear recommendations for policymakers in the Eastern and Central regions, based on your research outcomes.
Please present the specific research questions and objectives for your article. Explicitly stating the research questions at the beginning would help in framing the study more clearly for the reader. In empirical research, clearly articulated hypotheses guide the investigation and analysis. Including these would strengthen the study by providing specific predictions or expectations based on the theoretical background. Also, more detail on the data sources, sample size, and analytical procedures would provide a clearer understanding of how the conclusions were drawn.
Best regards.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageDear Authors,
Please improve the sentence structure and clarity, for example in the abstract the sentence: „This paper analyzes the level of digital development, the level of green development, and the coupling and coordination of digitalization and greening in the eastern and central regions of China by constructing a comprehensive index system to measure the level of digital and green development, and simulates and predicts the future development trend of digitalization and greening, from which innovative strategies and paths to better realize the synergistic development of digitalization and greening are proposed, which provides a valuable insight for further promoting synergistic development of digitization and greening.”
is overly long and complex, making it difficult to follow. It combines multiple ideas into one run-on sentence.
If I may suggest an improvement, I would break the sentence into two or more shorter sentences for clarity.
In the introduction, for example, I found problems in the consistency in terminology. The terms "digitization" and "digitalization" are used interchangeably throughout the paper, leading to inconsistency. Improving these aspects would enhance the readability and academic rigor of the article, making it clearer and more accessible to its intended audience.
Best regards.
Author Response
Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Those comments are all valuable and very helpful for revising and improving our paper, as well as the important guiding significance to our researches. We have studied comments carefully and have made correction which we hope meet with approval.Based on the comments of all reviewers, the paper has changed after adjustment. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused. See Response to reviewer 2 comments(new).docx for details.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe paper presents a very interesting topic and makes use of advance methods. Yet, the analysis of the results is not sufficient. Moreover, there is no information on the rationale for choosing eastern and central regions of China. There is also no information how these regions differ. The conclusions are very general and do not relate to the studied regions.
Results presented in some tables and figures are not commented by the authors leaving the reader with an impression that they do not any value to the paper.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Quality of English is generally high.
Author Response
Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Those comments are all valuable and very helpful for revising and improving our paper, as well as the important guiding significance to our researches. We have studied comments carefully and have made correction which we hope meet with approval.Because another reviewer later submitted a revision, the paper changed after adjustment. We apologize for the inconvenience caused. See Response to reviewer 3 comments(new).docx for details.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
TITLE: “A Study on the Differences in the Synergistic Development Level of Digitalization and Greenization in the Eastern and Central Regions of China”
Reviewer coment: This paper correspond for scope of journal.
- The title corresponds to the content of the paper.
This study represents significant contribution for the development of digitalization for providing powerful technical means for improving resource utilization efficiency, ecological environment supervision ability, predicting future environment and climate change, and realizing intelligent measurement and control of energy.
- The main question of paper addressed to study importance of digitalization greening technology and green industries renewable energy and clean production methods for digital development of economy and ecological civilization in Central and Eastern region of China.
- The aim of research is not clearly and fully pointed! The aim should be present in the last paragraph of chapter of Introduction!
- The chapter Material and methods used adequately!
- Key words are appropriate.
- Scientific methodology is applied correctly for this type of study.
- Results are clearly presented! and discussed!?, However in discussion is not common (allowed) present results and cited table and figures. In discussion should be explain what is effect of digitalization and greening, what is the coupling between them and with economic development? Why it is important? etc. The authors have commented on some of it, but more clearly cited literature sources that present similar results or effects (in similar or different geographical and ecological conditions and with similar and different degrees of economic development) are needed. Should be discussed importance of synergistic development, as well advantage of prediction effects.
- Tables, figures, pictures are clear.
- Conclusions are not completely derived on the base of results of research. Should be reduce and redefined conclusion on the base of results.
- This study represents complementary to the previous ones.
- Manuscript is acceptable after minor corrections.
Sugestion:
From line 365 to 372, the text need move in other chapter Discussion
From line 378 to 430, the text as well tables (8, 9) and figures (6, 7, 8, 9) belongs to chapter Results
From line 441 to 443, the text ..” While promoting the development of digital technology, the greening transition provides a larger market and demand for digital technology, prompting it to achieve innovation and breakthroughs”
From line 444 to 468, the text is not derived from results and don’t present conclusion. This text can use in chapter discussion.
From line 468 to 471, can modified and use for Conclusion the text : “the path innovation of the synergistic development of digitalization and greening also needs to be carried out through the three dimensions of natural technological innovation, socio-technological innovation and thinking technological innovation: ….
Author Response
Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Those comments are all valuable and very helpful for revising and improving our paper, as well as the important guiding significance to our researches. We have studied comments carefully and have made correction which we hope meet with approval. See Response to reviewer 4 comments(new).docx for details.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have made major revisions to the manuscript and it can be accepted.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageCould be helpful if the authors proofread the language once again before publication.
