A network-based approach for analyzing industrial green transformation: A case study of Beijing, China

Abstract

Abstract Industrial green transformation is crucial for the green development of cities that suffer from environmental crisis and resources depletion caused by the dysfunction of material cycle. Identifying the direction of the industrial transition is indispensable for the successful green transformation. One of the challenges is to discern the green transition of industrial network structure. The existing analysis methods based on a comprehensive index are hard to provide the network change information for decision makers to track and adjust the green transition direction of industrial system in time. For filling this gap, this study aims at exploring a network-based analysis approach for decision makers to discern the direction of industrial green transformation from network and eco-efficiency perspectives. Based on the network analysis and eco-efficiency methods, the article firstly proposed an analysis approach framework from network structure and the two main green features (waste network and eco-efficiency) perspectives; Then taking Beijing industrial system as an example, deeply analyzed the evolution of the waste network and the dynamic change of eco-efficiency of both water resource and industrial solid waste; Furthermore, identified the trend of Beijing industrial transformation and shed light on the transition rules towards green development. The principle results of the case revealed that: (1) Waste network exhibited a vigorous development and played more and more prominent role after 2000. (2) Ecological efficiency (water and solid waste) showed a steady increase from 2005 to 2012. (3) Beijing industrial system was transforming gradually towards the green pattern through wastes network construction and the eco-efficiency improvement since 2000. Our study provides an insight for decision makers to manage industrial transformation from an eco-network evolution perspective, which is benefit to know the network structure change in time and made the targeted systematic strategies to keep the industrial transition towards the green development.