In recent years, the digital economy has seen rapid global growth and has garnered increasing attention in economic research. This paper systematically reviews Chinese and international digital economy research, synthesizes key concepts and major findings in this field, and proposes a “Technology-Economy-Governance” framework for digital economy research. This paper also reveals persistent gaps between theoretical innovation and empirical research, and highlights key areas that require further exploration, including theory and practice of the data economy, how artificial intelligence reshapes the industrial and supply chains, and international digital economics. Additionally, this paper offers operational recommendations for improving the quality of digital economy research and promoting theoretical breakthroughs and practical applications.