Green Economic Efficiency and Coordinated Development in the Bohai Rim Region: Addressing Regional Disparities for Sustainable Innovation and Economic Transformation

Abstract

The Bohai Rim Region plays a crucial role in the economy of northern China. Historically, the area’s development has been driven by resource-intensive industries, necessitating urgent structural transformation. In response, the government has actively promoted a green economic model. This study evaluates the efficiency of green economic performance and total factor productivity (TFP) across five provinces in the region, incorporating regional innovation capabilities and green innovation outputs into the green economy input–output system. The results show that green economic efficiency (GEE) has improved across regions, with higher technological advancement leading to greater improvements in green TFP. Additionally, the economic disparity between provinces and municipalities has been decreasing. This study indicates that, while inter-provincial differences are widening, intra-regional disparities are narrowing. Meanwhile, this study provides a foundation for regional economic integration and policymaking in the Bohai Rim, offering insights into balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.