Coupling coordination analysis of low-carbon development, technology innovation, and new urbanization: Data from 30 provinces and cities in China.

Abstract

Technology innovation capability as an endogenous driving force plays an increasingly important role in the low-carbon transformation of new urbanization. This paper's purpose is to delve into the coupling coordination relationship among the three variables, and promote system's and region's synergy development. Based on the coupling coordination degree model, spatial autocorrelation model and obstacle degree model, this paper investigated the coupling coordination of low-carbon development (LCD) quality, technology innovation (TI) capability and new urbanization (NU) level in China from 2009 to 2019. The results indicate: (1) The coupling coordination degree (CCD) of LCD quality, TI capability and NU level in all regions of the country were fluctuating for a long time, and the regions that reach the coordinated development level showed a slow rising trend with obvious regional differences. (2) Three subsystems' CCD showed significant spatial correlation characteristics, and the degree of spatial agglomeration was constantly increasing. (3) The obstacles affecting the systems' synergy mainly reflected in economic and social indexes. In the end, this paper proposed that policy coordination and linkage should be strengthened, emphasizing the integrated development of the three subsystems. It is necessary to formulate development plans in combination with geographic location and resource endowment to enhance the regional driving effect.