Spatial Correlation Structure and Influencing Mechanism of Development Level of Zero-waste Cities in China

Abstract

Based on the entropy weight TOPSIS method to measure the development level of "zero-waste cities" in China from 2004 to 2021, the social network analysis method and spatial Durbin model were used to explore the spatial correlation network structure and impact mechanism of the development level of "zero-waste cities." The results showed that： ① The development level of "zero-waste cities" was generally on the decline in the whole country and the eastern and central regions. However, it was on the rise in the western regions. ② The spatial correlation of the development level of "zero-waste cities" presented a core-edge structure, with an overall upward trend in network density and a stable state in the overall network. ③ Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong were at the center and dominant position of the network. ④ Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Jiangsu belonged to the "net benefit" sector； Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong belonged to the "broker" sector； and the other provinces belonged to the "net overflow" sectors. ⑤ The level of urbanization, economic development, technological innovation, foreign investment, environmental regulations, government intervention, and population size had a significant impact on the development level of "zero-waste cities" in local or neighboring provinces, respectively. The research results can provide a reference for the proposal of policies for constructing and coordinating the development of "zero-waste cities" in various regions.