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Green Transportation-Enabled High-Quality Economic Development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt: Regional Disparities and Dynamic Characteristics

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  • Cheng Li

    (College of Air Transportation, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201600, China)

  • Shiguo Deng

    (College of Air Transportation, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201600, China)

  • Yangzhou Li

    (College of Air Transportation, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201600, China)

  • Liping Zhu

    (College of Air Transportation, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201600, China)

Abstract

The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB), serving as a pivotal transportation corridor connecting eastern and western China and a national strategic development hub, plays a central role in driving high-quality economic development (HQAED) across the country. Based on the new development paradigm with emphasis on green transformation and transportation integration, this study proposes a comprehensive evaluation framework for an HQAED index (HQAED) across five core dimensions. Employing the entropy-weighted CRITIC method to quantify provincial HQAED values, combined with Dagum–Gini coefficient analysis to examine regional inequality patterns and determinants, and complemented by kernel density estimation (KDE) for temporal dynamics analysis, this research reveals four key findings: (1) There are significant disparities in HQEDI levels across the YEB, with a clear east–west gradient: the lower reaches > middle reaches > upper reaches. (2) While the dimensions of green development and shared development have shown steady growth despite initial disadvantages, the openness dimension faces structural challenges that require particular attention. (3) The overall Gini coefficient fluctuates between 0.068 and 0.094, indicating moderate regional disparities with relatively limited inequality. (4) The rightward shift in the HQEDI kernel density curves confirms overall progress, but also highlights widening disparities in the upstream regions and growth stagnation in the midstream areas. Practically, the entropy–CRITIC fusion methodology offers a transferable framework for emerging economies measuring sustainability-transition progress, while the quantified “green transportation empowerment” effects provide actionable levers for policymakers to optimize ecological compensation mechanisms and cross-regional infrastructure investments.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng Li & Shiguo Deng & Yangzhou Li & Liping Zhu, 2025. "Green Transportation-Enabled High-Quality Economic Development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt: Regional Disparities and Dynamic Characteristics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:6018-:d:1691597
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stern, David I., 2004. "The Rise and Fall of the Environmental Kuznets Curve," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 32(8), pages 1419-1439, August.
    2. Dongni Feng & Cheng Li & Shiguo Deng, 2025. "Study on the Decoupling Effect and Driving Factors of Tourism Transportation Carbon Emissions in the Yangtze River Delta Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-23, March.
    3. Henderson, Vernon, 2003. "The Urbanization Process and Economic Growth: The So-What Question," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 47-71, March.
    4. Lucas, Robert Jr., 1988. "On the mechanics of economic development," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 22(1), pages 3-42, July.
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