Synergistic Development Assessment of the Rural Areal System Using the Factor Flow Network Method

ABSTRACT The factor flow network of the rural areal system (RAS) provides an important perspective for understanding its internal synergistic development. Traditional synergy assessment is usually based on the space of places, a concept focusing on size (capacity), rather than the space of flows, a concept focusing on connections (flows). In this study, we developed a multilayer network model for describing the flows of factors such as people, land, and industry in the RAS using the space of flows concept, big data, and complex network theory, then quantitatively characterized the network using three metrics (balance, order, and coupling) and used the network to assess the synergistic development of the RAS in the Pearl River Delta. Our findings showed that local urban–rural connections across the boundaries of administrative districts generated high‐level synergistic development of the RAS, promoting the integration of rural areas into urban–rural development. Therefore, strengthening factor flows through regional coordinated development and urban–rural integration is of great significance for promoting the synergistic development of the RAS.