The co-integration identification of green innovation efficiency in Yangtze River Delta region

The research innovatively identifies the co-integration of green innovation efficiency and its related determinants for 26 cities in Yangtze River Delta region (YRD) in China during 2011-2017. Specifically, the research firstly measures the green innovation efficiency with super slacks based measure and global Malmquist-Luenberger index. The regional green innovation efficiency experienced a steady growth in YRD during 2011-2017, showing YRD is an ecologically pioneer in China. Secondly, the spatial econometric estimation validated that the green innovation efficiency among YRD cities finally realized regional co-integration in 2017 with spatial evolution. Finally, the expenditures on technology and education are positive determinants of green innovation efficiency in a city directly. GDP per capita is the positive determinant for co-integration of green innovation efficiency; while foreign direct investment, the proportion of expenditure on technology, and education proportion in local fiscal budget are negative determinants for co-integration of green innovation efficiency in YRD.

Automated summary

The research identified the co-integration of green innovation efficiency and its determinants in 26 cities in the Yangtze River Delta region in China from 2011 to 2017. It found that the region experienced a growth in green innovation efficiency and showed pioneering efforts in ecology. Expenditures on technology and education directly influence green innovation efficiency, while factors like foreign direct investment and education proportion in local fiscal budget have negative effects on the co-integration of green innovation efficiency in the region.