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Regional CO2 emission efficiency in China and configurational paths for improvement

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  • Li, Jiawei
  • Qiu, Zhiyi
  • Wei, Fangqing
  • Liang, Jingwei

Abstract

This study proposes a hybrid approach integrating sequential general equilibrium efficient frontier DEA (SGEEFDEA) approach with fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) approach, namely the SGEEFDEA-fsQCA analytical framework, to explore paths for improving CO2 emission efficiency in China. The novel SGEEFDEA approach considers both the fixed-sum characteristic of CO2 emissions and the progressive nature of technology, enabling a more accurate and reliable assessment of efficiency. Complementing this, the fsQCA approach reveals how technological, organizational, and environmental factors interact synergistically to promote CO2 emission efficiency from a configurational perspective. An empirical analysis of 30 provincial regions in mainland China from 2006 to 2019 shows an upward trend in CO2 emission efficiency, with economically developed provinces outperforming others. The configuration results indicate that the paths leading to high CO2 emission efficiency exhibited spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Five distinct paths are identified for eastern provinces, each encompassing all antecedent conditions, while the central and western provinces show great heterogeneity. The significance of individual influencing factors in improving CO2 emission efficiency changes over time. Overall, this study contributes to the literature by developing a more scientifically grounded and rational method for measuring CO2 emission efficiency and providing a configuration-based perspective on paths to efficiency improvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Jiawei & Qiu, Zhiyi & Wei, Fangqing & Liang, Jingwei, 2025. "Regional CO2 emission efficiency in China and configurational paths for improvement," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:220:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525003233
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124292
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