Abstract: The key to strengthening and expanding the digital economy lies in understanding its endogenous mechanisms. Existing studies, largely based on Western frameworks, focus on scale measurement and static structures, overlooking the systemic links among production, exchange, circulation, and consumption. This paper introduces Marx’s reproduction theory and develops a unified framework combining national statistical standards×reproduction theory×high-dimensional input-output tables, embedding the digital economy within the full reproduction process. Our findings show: (1) an unbalanced "strong at both ends, weak in the middle" structure, with production and consumption sectors dominating, while exchange and circulation sectors constrain efficiency; (2) a chain-like internal circulation, where consumption stimulates production, which drives exchange and circulation, with low value-added in digital product manufacturing limiting sectoral strengthening; (3) final demand effects indicate that the production sector drives consumption and investment, serving as the core engine of reproduction, whereas the consumption sector is the main source of demand. The production sector is investment-dependent, other sectors are consumption-dependent, and all show low reliance on net exports, highlighting the domestic-driven nature of China’s digital economy. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding its reproduction process and guiding its development toward being stronger, better, and larger.

Key words: digital economy, input-output table of digital economy, marx’s process of reproduction, final demand effects