Measuring comparative eco-efficiency in the Eurasian Economic Union using MaxDEA X 12.2 software

In recent years, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has gained popularity as a robust approach for assessing the eco-efficiency of economic units of different scales. This paper demonstrates the capabilities of the latest standalone version of the open-access MaxDEA X 12.2 software to measure comparative eco-efficiency, using the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as a case study for the period 2015-2023. The study uses a traditional "black box" DEA model with atmospheric emissions, waste generation, and water consumption as inputs, and GDP along with population as outputs, allowing for a structural eco-efficiency assessment focused on resource use and economic structure. Calculation results obtained using the window method show that Belarus and Kyrgyzstan have the highest eco-efficiency over the entire observation window, while Kazakhstan and Russia lag behind, correlating with their natural resource-dependent economies. The analysis also provides target reductions in emissions and resource use for inefficient countries to improve eco-efficiency. In addition, the paper highlights how the MaxDEA X 12.2 software simplifies data handling and model configuration for eco-efficiency assessments by supporting different model orientations and returns to scale assumptions. Finally, it discusses potential extensions to more complex two-stage DEA models for comprehensive eco-efficiency assessments, subject to data availability. This work highlights the usefulness of MaxDEA X 12.2 as an accessible tool for eco-efficiency benchmarking and managerial decision support in the context of regional economic integration.