Spatial Pattern of Regional Urbanization Efficiency: An Empirical Study of Shanghai

Abstract

China is the fastest urbanizing area in the world. The complex urban systems not only create more socioeconomic output (such as GDP), but also bring more infrastructural costs and environmental losses. Thus, urban research has concentrated on urbanization efficiency toward efficient and spatially coordinated instead of urban size. In this paper, we use data envelopment analysis (DEA) to estimate how well districts in Shanghai utilize their resources. Based on data for five inputs and three outputs, we applied an input-oriented BBC Model and an output-oriented CCR Model for Decision Making Units (DMUs) assessment and urbanization efficiency analysis. In addition, the spatial pattern of relative urbanization efficiency is examined by spatial autocorrelation model. The research result indicates that it is in downward trend mainly affected by technical constraints, 11 out of 17 districts in Shanghai are efficient, and the urbanization efficiency gap between Pudong New district and Huangpu district is significant. The districts’urbanization efficiency in south areas are higher than that in middle and northeast area.