Ting Xu, Chante Jian Ding
Based on the theory of ecological economics, this study conducts an in-depth analysis of the impact of eco-industrial parks (EIPs) on urban energy efficiency using data from prefecture-level cities in China. The research finds that the establishment of EIPs can significantly enhance urban energy efficiency, specifically manifested as a 20.95 % increase in urban energy efficiency for every 1 % increase in the number of EIPs established. Mechanism analysis indicates that EIPs mainly achieve energy efficiency improvement through three pathways: enhancing urban green total factor productivity (GTFP), promoting the development of the digital economy, and driving the growth of green finance. Heterogeneity analysis further reveals that the energy efficiency improvement effect of EIPs is particularly significant in northern regions, non-Yangtze River Economic Belt cities, small cities, and non-old industrial base cities, reflecting differences in policy effects under varying city characteristics. This study enriches the theoretical framework of ecological economics regarding ecological governance and energy efficiency improvement and provides new empirical evidence for the promotion and implementation of EIP policies in practice. It highlights that EIPs, as an important policy tool for optimizing resource allocation and driving technological innovation, play a significant role in promoting regional sustainable development and high-quality economic growth.