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Evaluation of Multi-Dimensional Coordinated Development in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration Under the SDGs Framework

Author

Listed:
  • Fang Zhang

    (School of Economics and Management, Xidian University, Xi’an 710126, China)

  • Jianjun Zhang

    (School of Economics and Management, Xidian University, Xi’an 710126, China
    Northwest New Urbanisation Research Centre, Xidian University, Xi’an 710126, China)

  • Xiao Wang

    (School of Economics and Management, Xidian University, Xi’an 710126, China)

Abstract

The scientific evaluation of the coordinated development level of the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration is crucial for promoting the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study, based on the SDGs framework, utilizes data from 41 prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Delta from 2013 to 2023 to establish a five-dimensional evaluation index system, covering urban–rural integration (SDG 10), scientific and technological innovation (SDG 9), infrastructure (SDG 9.1), ecological environment (SDG 13/14/15), and public services (SDG 3/4/11). By applying the coupling coordination degree model, kernel density estimation, and the standard deviation ellipse method, the study systematically assesses the regional coordinated development level and its spatio-temporal evolution patterns. The findings reveal that from 2013 to 2023, the development indices of the five subsystems showed a fluctuating upward trend, with significant disparities in growth rate and stability. The overall regional coordination degree continuously improved, and differences diminished, with the coupling degree and coupling coordination degree exhibiting a “polarization followed by an overall leap” pattern. The coupling coordination degree evolved in three stages: “imbalance in mutual feedback among elements, strengthening of coordination mechanisms, and deepening of policy innovation”, with spatial differentiation and clustered development coexisting. Spatially, the distribution center shifted through three phases: “policy-driven”, “market-regulated”, and “technology-led”, forming an axial reconstruction from northwest to southeast, ultimately establishing a multi-center coordinated development system.

Suggested Citation

  • Fang Zhang & Jianjun Zhang & Xiao Wang, 2025. "Evaluation of Multi-Dimensional Coordinated Development in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration Under the SDGs Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-27, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7663-:d:1732187
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Sachs,Jeffrey D. & Kroll,Christian & Lafortune,Guillame & Fuller,Grayson & Woelm,Finn, 2022. "Sustainable Development Report 2022," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781009210034, Enero-Abr.
    3. Krugman, Paul, 1991. "Increasing Returns and Economic Geography," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 99(3), pages 483-499, June.
    4. Sachs,Jeffrey D. & Kroll,Christian & Lafortune,Guillame & Fuller,Grayson & Woelm,Finn, 2022. "Sustainable Development Report 2022," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781009210089, Enero-Abr.
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    1. Fang Zhang & Jianjun Zhang & Muhammad Hussain, 2025. "The Impact of Multidimensional Regional Integration on Low-Carbon Development: Empirical Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-25, October.

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