Dynamic Convergence of Green Total Factor Productivity in Chinese Cities

Yuanxin Peng, Zhuo Chen and Jay Lee
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Yuanxin Peng: College of Tourism, Resources and Environment, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277160, China
Zhuo Chen: Department of Geography, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240, USA
Jay Lee: Department of Geography, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240, USA

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 12, 1-18

Abstract: China’s energy consumption in urban areas accounts for a large proportion of total energy consumption, and many pollutants are emitted with the energy consumption. Considering the requirement for green development of economy, it is necessary to study the green total factor productivity (GTFP) in cities. In this study, the Malmquist index, spatial autocorrelation analysis and convergence analysis are used to analyze the GTFP for 263 prefectural or higher-level cities in China. The results show a growing trend of values measured by the GTFP in Chinese cities, indicating an increase in efficiency. In addition. the eastern region has the highest efficiency, followed by the central region while the lowest being the western region. The calculated values of GTFP show a relatively strong overall spatial clustering with some local high-high clusters of high index values. GTFP also shows relatively weak divergence and no sign of convergence. Thus, we propose that, to improve GTFP and narrow the gap between regions, it would be necessary to enhance technological progress and restructuring industrial productivity in cities.

Keywords: green total factor productivity; spatial clustering; Malmquist index; convergence analysis; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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