Study on the coupled and coordinated development of urban resilience and urbanization level in the Yellow River Basin

Urban resilience and urbanization share an interdependent and mutually beneficial relationship, fostering a robust interaction that drives cities toward sustainable development. Elevated urbanization not only reinforces urban resilience but also effectively addresses uncertainties that arise during urbanization, creating an optimal environment for development. With the current national emphasis on resilient urban development and considering the challenges presented by the ecologically sensitive Yellow River Basin, there is an urgent research and practical imperative to align urban resilience and urbanization. Built upon the essence, foundational theories, and mutual mechanisms of urban resilience and urbanization, this study zeroes in on 60 prefecture-level cities within the Yellow River Basin. It assesses and analyzes the interplay and driving factors between urban resilience and urbanization from 2005 to 2020. Key findings include: (1) Over the study period, the coupling and coordination between urban resilience and urbanization in the Yellow River Basin exhibited a consistent upward trajectory. This reflects a substantial affirmative relationship, underscoring their distinct interdependence. Spatially, distribution patterns indicated higher levels downstream, tapering upwards, with provincial capitals and sub-provincial cities serving as central benchmarks. (2) Throughout the study duration, the coordinated evolution of urban resilience and urbanization in the Yellow River Basin displayed spatial clustering and an upward trend. Notably, the HH agglomeration predominantly emerged downstream in Shandong, Henan. Meanwhile, the LL agglomeration showcased the highest city concentration, primarily within the middle and upper basin regions, revealing a pronounced basin-wide polarization. (3) The predominant factors influencing spatial divergence in the degree of coordination between urban resilience and urbanization in the Yellow River Basin were regional innovation levels and external openness. Additionally, the influence of transportation infrastructure and regional innovation levels played an increasingly significant role in spatial differentiation during the study period.