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Spatial Network Analysis of Coupling Coordination between Digital Financial Inclusion and Common Prosperity in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration

Author

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  • Fanlong Zeng

    (School of Foreign Studies, Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College, Yiwu 322000, China
    Graduate School, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Batangas 4200, Philippines)

  • Huaping Sun

    (Institute of Common Prosperity, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
    School of Economics & Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China)

Abstract

Digital financial inclusion and common prosperity are pivotal elements in promoting the sustainable socioeconomic development of China. This study introduces a novel Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method to evaluate the Common Prosperity Index (CPI). Using this index, alongside the Digital Financial Inclusion Index (DFII) released by Peking University, it examines the evolution of the coupling coordination relationship between digital financial inclusion and common prosperity within the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration from 2011 to 2021. By integrating gravity models and social network analysis, in this paper, we thoroughly investigate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the spatial network of this coupling coordination relationship. The results indicate that both the DFII and CPI generally exhibit an upward trend, but the decline in the coupling degree reflects a weakened interaction strength between them. Specifically, Anhui significantly lags behind Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai in the development of digital financial inclusion and common prosperity, indicating regional development imbalances. Furthermore, the strength of spatial connections in city coupling coordination has significantly increased, with Nanjing’s siphon effect on cities in Anhui becoming markedly stronger, and the number of core cities in the network increasing, which demonstrates a geographical proximity feature in network development. Additionally, the overall network characteristics are transitioning towards higher density and “small-world” properties, suggesting a trend toward network stabilization. The disparity in centrality among cities has decreased, with an overall enhancement in centrality, where the spatial spillover effects from core areas such as Hangzhou-Ningbo, Nanjing-Changzhou, and Shanghai-Suzhou-Wuxi significantly promote the development of peripheral cities. Based on these findings, this paper proposes policy recommendations for the sustainable development of digital financial inclusion and common prosperity in the YRD region.

Suggested Citation

  • Fanlong Zeng & Huaping Sun, 2024. "Spatial Network Analysis of Coupling Coordination between Digital Financial Inclusion and Common Prosperity in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-25, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmathe:v:12:y:2024:i:9:p:1285-:d:1381756
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Borjigin, Wuyunzhaola & He, Sarula & Xu, Huixian, 2025. "The role of digital financial inclusion in promoting common prosperity: Evidence from Inner Mongolia," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).

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