Breaking the resource curse: Heterogeneous effects of digital government

The advancement of digital government has caused significant transformations in global public administration entities, with the natural resources utilization efficiency (NRUE) playing a crucial role in economic development and sustainable development. This research delves into the influence of digital government on the NRUE across diverse quantiles. Initially, the method of moments-quantile regression illustrates a strengthening impact of digital government on NRUE as quantiles rise, underscoring the escalating role of digital government in amplifying NRUE. Additionally, the study finds that countries suffering from the resource curse can significantly benefit from digital government, offering innovative solutions to counteract the resource curse. The investigation further reveals varying impacts of the "Leave No One Behind" (LNOB) principle on NRUE within the scope of digital government, suggesting disparities in its effectiveness among nations with different readiness index. By ensuring equity and inclusivity for all societal groups during development, digital government emerges as a pivotal tool for promoting inclusive, sustainable energy progress and societal equality. The findings provide invaluable insights into the relationship between digital government, NRUE and the resource curse, offering essential reference points for policy formulation.