Spatial Correlation and Convergence Analysis of Eco-Efficiency in China

In this paper, we first measured the eco-efficiency of 31 provinces in China during 2000-2015 using the SBM (Slack-Based Measure) model, and the spatial character of eco-efficiency was identified based on symmetrical spatial weight matrix. We then proposed a new asymmetrical spatial weight matrix based on the eco-economic transformation index (EETI)-distance reciprocal principle to assess the spatial character of eco-efficiency. Finally, we analyzed the convergence of eco-efficiency's total factor productivity (EETFPs) in mainland China and in three major regions based on the results of EETFP. The study revealed the following findings: (1) There were some limitations to the spatial autocorrelation of eco-efficiency in mainland China by the symmetrical spatial weight methods based on the spatial proximity principle or spatial distance principle. However, the new spatial weight scheme improved the reliability of the accounting results of the spatial autocorrelation. (2) The clustering effect of eco-efficiency exhibited a downward trend in mainland China during the study period; meanwhile, the significant high-high and low-high clustering areas were located in the eastern, the central, and the western regions. (3) The study of convergence showed that there was a club-convergence phenomenon in mainland China, and except for the western region, all the regions expressed conditional convergence. The results provide a significant reference for ecological-economy management and sustainable development in China.