Spatial Structure of China’s Green Development Efficiency: A Perspective Based on Social Network Analysis

Xiaotong Gao, Naigang Cao, Yushuo Zhang and Lin Zhao ()
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Xiaotong Gao: School of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, China
Naigang Cao: School of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, China
Yushuo Zhang: Faculty of Culture Tourism, Shanxi University of Finance and Economics, Taiyuan 030031, China
Lin Zhao: School of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 23, 1-16

Abstract: Clarifying the spatial correlation network structure of green development efficiency (GDE) is of great significance for realizing coordinated and sustainable development in China. By constructing the evaluation index system of GDE, this study used the super epsilon-based measure (EBM) model that considers undesirable output to measure the GDE of China from 2000 to 2018, based on which the characteristics of the spatial correlation network characteristics and influencing factors were analyzed using social network analysis (SNA) and a geographical detector. The results indicated that: (1) The GDE of China as a whole remained relatively stable, and there was a significant spatial spillover effect of GDE between provinces; the spatial correlation network demonstrated complex and dense characteristics, and the closeness and stability of the network gradually increased. However, the strict hierarchical structure of the network still existed. (2) The eastern coastal provinces exhibited significant spillover effects and connectivity functions, while the northeastern and central-western provinces are located at the edges of the spatial correlation network. (3) The GDE spatial correlation network is divided into a leader subgroup, bridge subgroup and net benefit subgroup, with no isolated subgroup. (4) The economic development level, urbanization and financial development have a decisive impact on the formation of the GDE spatial correlation network.

Keywords: green development efficiency; spatial correlation network; social network analysis; super-EBM model; geographical detector (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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