The use of a data envelopment analysis efficient rule to produce a steady and high cooperation frequency in a spatial evolvement game

► We estimate the relative efficiency of the current strategy by using a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. ► We present a DEA efficient rule to update the strategy in evolutionary games; it has a strong background in engineering and technology. ► Simulations of the prisoner's dilemma game (PDG) and the snowdrift game (SG) were carried out; the results show the emergence of high and stable cooperator frequency.