Evolution of spatial correlation network structure and influencing factors of urban-rural integrated development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Exploring the characteristics of the spatial correlation network and its influencing factors of urban-rural integrated development provides a new perspective for realizing the coordinated development of urban and rural areas. Based on the panel data of 108 cities above the prefecture level in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2022, this study firstly uses the entropy method to measure the urban-rural integration development level of the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2022. Based on this, the spatial correlation matrix was constructed with the help of the modified gravity model, and then the social network analysis method was used to quantify the spatial correlation strength between regions and analyze the overall network characteristics, individual network characteristics and spatial clustering characteristics. Finally, the QAP regression model was used to identify the influencing factors of the formation of spatial network structure. The results show that: 1) The level of urban-rural integration in the Yangtze River Economic Belt has steadily improved, but the growth rate is relatively slow. The spatial correlation network presents a dense in the east and sparse in the west topological structure, with high overall accessibility, but the network density is insufficient, the path is single, and the stability is limited; 2) The network structure presents a core periphery pattern, with core cities in the middle and lower reaches such as Wuhan and Shanghai playing a hub and intermediary role in the network, forming an element transmission characteristic of “central radiation eastern reception”. 3) The Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration has formed a two-way flow of “net spillover - main benefits”, while the midstream and Chengdu Chongqing urban agglomeration show the characteristics of internal dominant “two-way spillover”, and the overall cross plate synergy is insufficient. 4) The differences in economic development, spatial distance, technological innovation and digitalization have a significant impact on the formation of spatial correlation network of urban-rural integration development in the Yangtze River economic belt.