Enhancing green development efficiency (GDE) is crucial for promoting ecological protection and high-quality growth in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). Using panel data from 48 prefecture-level cities in the YRB from 2010 to 2022, this study applies a Super-SBM model that accounts for undesirable outputs to measure GDE. Then, a modified gravity model and social network analysis (SNA) are used to identify the evolution of its spatial correlation. Additionally, a spatial Durbin model (SDM) is employed to examine the driving mechanisms from the dual perspectives of the innovation rebound effect and external micro-ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reverse-forcing pressure. The results reveal the following: First, the spatial pattern of GDE in the YRB has changed significantly, showing an overall spatial imbalance, with efficiency improvements in the middle reaches and declines in the lower reaches. Notably, resource-based cities have improved GDE due to environmental regulations. Second, the spatial correlation network has evolved from a point-axis layout to a more complex network structure. However, spatial links among cities are mainly driven by geographic proximity, while collaborative ties between cities with similar economic features remain weak. Third, technological innovation has a significant negative effect on local GDE, likely due to the energy rebound effect. Meanwhile, the cross-regional transmission of the external supply chain ESG reverse-forcing mechanism remains weak, constrained by the carbon lock-in effect in the middle and upper reaches. These findings suggest that internal technological structures and external market constraints both influence GDE in the YRB. This research offers an empirical foundation for developing targeted, cross-regional collaborative governance policies.
Yin et al. (Sun,) studied this question.