Spatial-Temporal Distribution and Interregional Dynamic Interactions of the Industrial Water Green-use Efficiency in China

To investigate industrial water green-use efficiency (IWGE), its spatial distribution patterns, and the characteristics of cross-regional spatial interactions across China, this study employs the Global Super-DEA model to evaluate IWGE values across 30 Chinese provinces during the period spanning 2004 to 2022. Spatial visualization techniques and Moran’s I index are used to examine spatiotemporal distribution patterns, while impulse response functions of the BVAR model are applied to assess the interregional dynamic interaction effects of IGWE empirically. The results indicate that IGWE in China remains relatively low overall but exhibits a fluctuating upward trend, accompanied by pronounced spatial heterogeneity and interactive spillover effects. Geographically, IGWE displays a “rise–fall” pattern along “west–east” and “south–north” axes, with a spatial structure characterized by the coexistence of zonal and non-zonal distributions. Pairwise spatial interaction analysis further reveals substantial cross-regional spillover effects, with the eastern coastal, southern coastal, and northwestern regions playing pivotal roles in catalyzing national IGWE enhancements. Drawing on these insights, the study proposes a set of policy recommendations, including eliminating institutional barriers, leveraging comparative advantages, formulating region-specific strategies, harnessing spatial spillover effects, and strengthening performance evaluation systems, to promote coordinated interregional improvement of IGWE.