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September 5, 2025Open Access

Spatial Econometric Analyses of the Interactions Between DEA-based Multidimensional Sustainable Development Efficiency: Evidence From Provincial Panel Data in China

YGYuning GaoNanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics YLYiyao LiTsinghua University

Key Points

Notable variations in multidimensional development efficiency exist across different provinces and time periods.
Efficiency trends reflect regional differences, with the eastern region showing the highest overall economic development.
The use of a dynamic spatial durbin model highlights spatial spillover effects influencing multidimensional development efficiency.
Research findings have important policy implications for enhancing goal-based development governance within the framework of the sustainable development goals.

Abstract

With the 2030 Agenda reaching its halfway mark, there is an increasing scholarly focus on the effective implementation of the SDGs in a manner that is comprehensive, synchronised, and equitable. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has been widely acknowledged as a practical approach for evaluating the efficacy of development initiatives, addressing the challenges posed by conventional single-performance studies that hinder the assessment of multi-objective governance by quantifying the relative capacity to attain goals within resource limitations. This study analyses multidimensional development efficiency across areas and time. It uses a panel dataset from 2002 to 2019 to study efficiency trends and spatiotemporal interconnections. The findings indicate that there are notable temporal and regional variations in livelihood, education, and technology, as well as ecological and economic efficiencies. The eastern region has more significant economic development, resulting in higher overall efficiency. Conversely, the central and western areas, which are comparatively underdeveloped, are making progress in narrowing the gap with the eastern region. Technology, population movement, and other factors have caused geographical aggregation. The Global Malmquist Index Decomposition illustrates the inherent imbalance in multidimensional development efficiency and examines what drives underlying efficiency heterogeneity regarding technology and efficiency improvements. Furthermore, the development of a dynamic spatial Durbin model examines the presence of spatial spillover effects on multidimensional development efficiency across various directions and intensities in both the short and long run. This indicates that interregional interactions are bidirectional, considering resource limitations. This research provides novel insights into comprehending the complex and interconnected characteristics of sustainable development, hence contributing valuable policy implications for goal-based development governance.

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