How technological innovations affect urban eco-efficiency in China: A prefecture-level panel data analysis

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2020-10, Vol.270, p.122479, Article 122479
• Main Authors: Chen, Weidong, Si, Wen, Chen, Zhan-Ming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: SBM-Undesirable model; Spatial heterogeneity; Spatial measurement; Technological innovations; Urban eco-efficiency
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122479

This paper utilizes SBM-undesirable model and Malmquist index to examine the urban eco-efficiency in China and analyzes the regional heterogeneity. Through the panel data of 273 prefecture-level cities during 2007–2017 in China, the spatial Durbin model is used to examine the influencing factors of urban eco-efficiency associated with technological innovations. The results show that the average values of urban eco-efficiency of the East, Central, and West regions are 0.93, 0.88, and 0.90, respectively. The Moran’s I of eco-efficiency is around 0.8, which shows a strong spatial heterogeneity. It is found that higher innovative ability can increase urban eco-efficiency. Education investment and innovation talents have a U-shape relationship with urban eco-efficiency, while capital investment and innovation performance have an inverted U-shape relationship with it. This research outlines the relationship between technological innovations and urban eco-efficiency, offering policy implications for China’s eco-construction and sustainable urban development. •Exploring the trend of eco-efficiency of different urban types in China.•Significant spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity of eco-efficiency are found.•Spatial Durbin model is used to analyze how innovations affect urban eco-efficiency.•The drivers of eco-efficiency in terms of technological innovation are obtained.