The Spatio-Temporal Process of Regional Cultivated Land Use Transition: An Integrated Framework of “Factor-Structure-Function”

Understanding cultivated land use transition (CLUT) requires analytical frameworks capable of capturing the interconnected changes in production inputs, land use structure, and multifunctional outcomes. However, existing CLUT studies often rely on fragmented metrics that separately examine dominant or recessive transitions, limiting their ability to reveal the internal mechanisms of land use transition. Therefore, this study developed an integrated “factor-structure-function” analytical framework based on the theory of induced technological innovation. An evaluation system was constructed to operationalize the proposed framework, and Zhejiang Province—a rapidly urbanizing region in southeastern China, was selected as an empirical validation case to demonstrate its analytical value. The results showed that the integrated framework not only identified temporal and spatial patterns of CLUT, but also revealed internal trade-offs and synergies among factor substitution, structural reconfiguration, and functional transition that were not detectable using conventional CLUT metrics. In particular, the framework highlighted unique regional transition pathways driven by different modes of factor substitution. By connecting factor inputs, output structures, and land functions within the integrated framework, this study offers a practical tool for diagnosing CLUT and serves as a methodological guide for future CLUT research in rapidly urbanizing regions.