Coupling and Spatial Disparities of Regional Economy and Ecosystem in High-Quality Town Development

This study investigates the coordination between regional economic growth and ecological sustainability within the context of high-quality town economy development. To address the challenges of balancing economic expansion with environmental protection, a comprehensive evaluation index system is constructed, encompassing two key dimensions: regional economy and ecological environment. Using panel data from 2013 to 2022, the coupling coordination degree model is employed to quantify the interactions and synergy between these dimensions. Additionally, spatial econometric methods are applied to calculate both global and local Moran’s Index, revealing spatial clustering patterns, regional disparities, and heterogeneity. The relative development model further identifies critical factors influencing regional coordination, with a focus on the lagging development of basic infrastructure and public services. The findings demonstrate a positive temporal trend toward improved regional coordination and reduced development gaps, with a spatial pattern characterized by higher coupling degrees in eastern and central regions compared to western areas. Based on these results, this study proposes actionable strategies to enhance coordinated development, emphasizing ecological conservation, the establishment of green production and consumption systems, ecological restoration, and strengthened municipal collaboration.This revised abstract emphasizes the study’s purpose, methods, and key findings more clearly while maintaining a professional and concise tone. Finally, based on the above analysis results, the corresponding coordinated development suggestions of regional economy and ecological environment are given from the aspects of ecological environment protection measures, green production and consumption system construction, ecological environment restoration and municipal coordination.