Coordinating production–living–ecological space efficiency in suburban rural areas using a DEA–triangular model

<h2>Summary</h2> Currently, suburban rural areas in China are experiencing low-efficiency issues in production-living-ecological spaces (PLES) amid rapid urbanization. Existing research pays insufficient attention to trade-offs among multiple spatial efficiencies and often lacks integrated analytical frameworks. This study aims to enhance PLES utilization efficiency in multi-input/output systems. Using Nanjing as a case, spatial utilization efficiency was measured through data envelopment analysis (DEA), and distribution patterns were identified via geographic information system (GIS) analysis. Gini coefficient decomposition was applied to analyze spatiotemporal disparities, while a triangular model quantified interrelationships among PLES. From 2011 to 2021, PLES utilization efficiency among townships rose by 48.14% on average, with 17 shifting from imbalance to coordination; 49% achieved primary coordination, and 9 reached high-quality coordination. The study developed a multi-criteria evaluation framework, improving the precision and coordination of rural governance and spatial management, and providing support for sustainable rural development.