Evaluation of the Urban-Rural Integration Development Level in the Yangtze River Delta: A Hybrid Method

The development level of urban-rural integration is an important prerequisite to the investigation of the evolution of urban-rural relations. In this study, we use a hybrid method to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of the urban-rural integration development levels of 27 central cities in the Yangtze River Delta for the period between 2003 and 2018. The results show that the urban-rural integration development level (urban-rural integration degree) in the region has significantly improved during the research period; yet, the imbalance between cities is still prominent. Areas with a high integration degree are concentrated in the central and eastern parts (including Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Shanghai, Changzhou, and Hangzhou), and the degree decreases in surrounding areas. The main influencing factors (the corresponding influence degree value) are the ratio of nonagricultural employment (11.86%-12.91%), urban and rural unemployment insurance coverage (11.87%-12.78%), and urban and rural endowment insurance coverage (10.24%-11.27%). Urban space expansion, urban and rural Engel coefficient, and dual-contrast coefficient are concentrated between 6.32% and 7.89%. The strategy-oriented development suggestions are put forward based on the SWOT strategic analysis map for further development. The research results of this paper can also serve as useful tips for achieving urban-rural integration in other countries and regions.