Development of the digital economy, transformation of the economic structure and leaping of the middle-income trap

Purpose Currently, China’s economy is in the critical phase of transforming economic development patterns and replacing old growth drivers with new ones. Whether it can successfully overcome “middle-income trap” has become a significant issue attracting wide attention. Design/methodology/approach Driven by underlying digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing big data, fourth industrial revolution featuring booming provided opportunities for to “overtake” trap”. The transformation pattern, optimization structure, change drivers, brought deep integration real economies are keys leaping over Findings From supply side, improve quality efficiency side promote supply-side structural reform from following three aspects: First, quality, diversification system; second, networking, opening-up synergy innovation system third, socialization, modularization flexibility production pattern. demand boost “troika” consisting consumption, exports investment changing market direction, promoting consumption upgrade fostering export strengths. However, once these two attributes interact each other, especially when data combined capital, most adhesive factor economy, series social relations will then be produced based on technical attribute, resulting adjustments relations, involving both positive negative externalities. Originality/value To trap”, necessary adapt laws evolution fundamental drivers; high-quality strengthening support role economy; accelerate industrialization digitalization realize economies.