Research on the Sustainable Development Level of Qinghai Province Based on the DPSIR Model

Cheng Wang, Xiaoling Li (), Yirui Liu and Liming He
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Cheng Wang: School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
Xiaoling Li: School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
Yirui Liu: School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
Liming He: School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-18

Abstract: This study investigates the level of sustainable development, evolution patterns, and obstacles in Qinghai Province. Considering the province’s unique characteristics and ecological significance, we have established an evaluation indicator system based on the DPSIR model. The entropy weight–TOPSIS model is used to assess the overall sustainability of Qinghai from 2008 to 2022. The grey GM(1,1) model is used to predict future sustainability trends, while the coupling coordination model quantifies the degree of coordination among subsystems. Furthermore, the barrier degree model is used to explore the factors hindering the improvement of Qinghai’s sustainable development. (1) The study finds that Qinghai’s overall sustainable development has shown a fluctuating upward trend, increasing from a weaker phase in 2008 to a stronger phase in 2022. All five subsystems in the sustainability evaluation system have shown gradual improvements in their index scores. This suggests that Qinghai’s sustainability level is expected to continue improving in the future. (2) From 2008 to 2022, the highest barrier degrees were observed in the pressure and state systems, with the barrier degrees of other systems gradually decreasing. Nine main factors, including the number of students in higher education, urban unemployment rate at year-end, and input–output ratio, have been identified as the obstacles to improving the province’s sustainable development level. (3) The coupling coordination degree of the five subsystems has shown a positive development trend, progressing through three stages: mild imbalance, basic coordination, and good coordination. The coordination type has shifted from deterioration to improvement. To achieve high-level sustainable development in Qinghai, leveraging the province’s advantageous environmental resources is crucial. Strengthening ecological protection, optimizing the industrial structure, accelerating urbanization, and emphasizing science and education are key pathways for Qinghai’s future development.

Keywords: Qinghai Province; level of sustainable development; DPSIR model; entropy weight–TOPSIS model; obstacle degree model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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