Research on port integration development based on coupling coordination degree model

Ports are essential hubs for modern transportation, facilitating international trade and economic development. Currently, the development of ports heavily relies on the industrial foundation and human resources of port cities. Therefore, promoting deep integration of ports, industries and cities has emerged as a new approach and pathway for the future of ports. This paper explores the spatial-temporal characteristics and driving factors of port-industry-city integration in China, employing methods such as coupling coordination degree model and geographic detector. The main finding are as follows: The overall level of Chinese port-industry-city integration presents a steady upward trend, but it remains moderate imbalance state. The level of Chinese port-industry-city integration presents a spatial pattern of overall leading in the south, with significant regional heterogeneity in the dimensions of urban agglomeration and urban size. The integration of ports, industries and cities is positively affected by the industry and city system. And the explanatory power of the port system for port-industry-city integration is significantly improved after interaction with the industry and city systems.