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Evaluating the Impact of Transformation and Upgrading on the Green Efficiency of Industrial Water: Evidence from Sectoral Performance

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  • Abderhim Ötkür

    (Dongguan University of Technology
    Dongguan University of Technology)

  • Qiangqiang Rong

    (Dongguan University of Technology
    Dongguan University of Technology)

  • Wencong Yue

    (Dongguan University of Technology
    Environmental Monitoring Center, Ecology and Environment Bureau of Haidian District of Beijing Municipality)

  • Jianyu Zhang

    (Dongguan University of Technology
    Dongguan University of Technology)

  • Yulei Xie

    (Guangdong University of Technology)

  • Meirong Su

    (Guangdong University of Technology
    Guangdong University of Technology)

Abstract

Exploring the green efficiency of industrial water resources (GEIWR) in the context of industrial transformation and upgrading (ITU) is crucial for balancing economic development with sustainable water resource utilization. In the present study, we proposed a hybrid approach integrating TOPSIS, super-efficiency SBM, the Malmquist–Luenberger index, and regression models to assess GEIWR during ITU. The novelty of this approach lies in its ability to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of sectoral ITU and reveal how GEIWR responds to sector-specific transformations. A case study of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) demonstrates that cities dominated by tech-intensive transformation exhibit higher GEIWR than those driven by resource-, labor-, and capital-intensive transformation. The overall GEIWR in the PRD showed an upward trend, primarily driven by the planned implementation and optimization of existing technologies. To sustain this progress, investments in advanced technological innovations should be prioritized by core cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan, while efficiency could be enhanced in other PRD cities by scaling industrial operations to achieve economies of scale. Additionally, threshold effects were observed in non-tech sectors. GEIWR improvements in labor-intensive industries occurred only when ITU performance ranged from 0.09 to 0.18, whereas capital-intensive industries saw efficiency gains within a range of 0.06 to 0.14. Beyond these thresholds, efficiency gains declined. Our study provides a scientific basis for understanding the interplay between ITU and GEIWR by assessing transformation performance, efficiency variations, and sectoral contributions; our findings offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance industrial water efficiency while promoting sustainable industrial transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Abderhim Ötkür & Qiangqiang Rong & Wencong Yue & Jianyu Zhang & Yulei Xie & Meirong Su, 2025. "Evaluating the Impact of Transformation and Upgrading on the Green Efficiency of Industrial Water: Evidence from Sectoral Performance," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 39(10), pages 4923-4945, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:waterr:v:39:y:2025:i:10:d:10.1007_s11269-025-04183-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11269-025-04183-w
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