全球跨境数据流动合作网络结构特征与形成机制

Structural Characteristics and Formation Mechanisms of the Global Cross-border Data Flow Cooperation Network

摘要:

在全球数据治理规则碎片化背景下,国家间围绕跨境数据流动的政策协作呈网络化演进,但其整体结构与合作形成机制缺乏系统量化识别。基于2015—2024年113项国际跨境数据流动协议及相关规则性文件,构建全球跨境数据流动政策合作网络,运用社会网络分析法和二次指派程序回归法剖析其结构特征、关键节点角色及形成机制。研究发现:第一,全球跨境数据流动政策合作网络整体密度较低,但仍保持单一连通结构,呈现出“局部集聚-全局连通”的小世界特性,形成以发达经济体为核心、新兴经济体逐步融入的“核心-边缘”格局。第二,网络权力分化显著,欧盟处于规范核心位置,中国和美国等主要在各自合作集群中发挥主导作用,英国和新加坡等发挥战略中介作用。第三,网络合作关系的形成遵循“相似性-互补性”双重逻辑,路径依赖、地理邻近和政策相似性等通过降低合作成本促进合作关系形成,数字基础设施和贸易开放度差异等作为驱动跨制度合作的核心动力。研究结论可为中国在全球数字治理竞争中识别关键伙伴、优化合作路径提供参考。

Abstract:

Against the backdrop of fragmented global data governance rules, policy cooperation among countries on cross-border data flows has evolved into an increasingly networked structure, while its overall structure and formation mechanisms remain insufficiently identified. Based on 113 international agreements and related regulatory instruments concerning cross-border data flows from 2015 to 2024, a global policy cooperation network was constructed. Social network analysis and quadratic assignment procedure regression were employed to examine its structural characteristics, key nodes, and formation mechanisms. The results indicate that the network has relatively low density but forms a single connected component, exhibiting small-world characteristics and a core-periphery structure centered on developed economies, with emerging economies becoming increasingly integrated. The European Union occupies a central normative position, while China and the United States lead their respective cooperation clusters, and the United Kingdom and Singapore serve as strategic intermediaries. Cooperation follows a dual logic of similarity and complementarity. Path dependence, geographical proximity, and policy similarity reduce cooperation costs and facilitate the formation of cooperative ties, while differences in digital infrastructure and trade openness drive cross-institutional cooperation. The findings provide a reference for China to identify key partners and optimize cooperation pathways amid global competition for digital governance.