Spatial convergence and influencing factors of green total factor productivity of China's urban agglomerations

Introduction: Based on the green economic growth theory and the background of comprehensive promotion of high-quality development, the article evaluates and analyzes the dynamic evolution, convergence mechanism and influencing factors of Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) growth in 19 major urban agglomerations. Methods: By using the SBM-GML model method, the paper aims to study the existence of differences in green economic operation in urban agglomerations. Results: (1) The GTFP of Chinese urban agglomerations is in an effective state driven by technological progress, and the core driving role of technical efficiency has not been fully exploited, the constraints and limitations of resources, energy and environment on the space of high-quality development of urban agglomerations still exist. (2) There is no delta convergence in the GTFP growth of urban agglomerations, but there is a trend of beta convergence, the pattern of coordinated regional development is gradually forming. (3) The eastern urban agglomerations show the competitiveness of green development and spatial convergence rate of GTFP growth better than other regions, and even present a synergistic development situation. (4) Industrial structure and financial service level have positive effects on GTFP growth of urban agglomerations, while business environment and capital deepening level have negative effects on them. Discussion: The research aims to provide reference for decision making to comprehensively promote regional synergistic development strategy in urban agglomerations of mainland China.