Green competitiveness evaluation of provinces in China based on correlation analysis and fuzzy rough set

The meaning of regional competitiveness has been changed recently to better fit the new development theme of “green” and “sustainable”. Correspondingly, the traditional regional competitiveness evaluation system, which pays too much attention to economic indicators, has not been able to fully evaluate regional green competitiveness. Based on the meaning of regional green competitiveness, we used correlation analysis, fuzzy rough set and entropy weight methods to select and analyze 21 indicators and develop a regional green competitiveness index. Indicators included measures of natural resources competitiveness, ecological environment competitiveness, energy consumption and energy saving competitiveness, economic and social sustainable competitiveness as well as human health competitiveness. Based on the green competitiveness index, we divided the green competitiveness spectrum into three levels (light green, medium green and dark green) to explore changes of the index in 30 provinces of China during the period 2004-2014. Results showed that ecological environment competitiveness and sustainable competitiveness of economy and society are two key factors that influence the green competitiveness of provinces in China. Green competitiveness also showed spatial differences, varying from high to low in a westerly direction from the eastern region, central region, northeast region and western region. Notably, the green competitiveness level of more than half of the provinces changed markedly, proving that the green competitiveness of the provinces can develop through leap-style changes.