Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Driving Factors of Logistics Efficiency in Hefei Metropolitan Area Under the Background of Yangtze River Delta Integration

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the deepening implementation of the Yangtze River Delta integration strategy, scientifically measuring regional logistics efficiency holds significant practical value for optimizing supply chain allocation. This study takes eight cities within the Hefei Metropolitan Area as research samples and utilizes panel data from 2015 to 2023. By integrating Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Global Malmquist Index model, it construct a comprehensive evaluation system for logistics efficiency from both static and dynamic Total Factor Productivity perspectives. The results indicate that during the observation period, the overall comprehensive logistics efficiency in the Hefei Metropolitan Area exhibited a fluctuating downward trend, accompanied by significant efficiency divergence among cities. The evolution trajectory of TFP closely aligned with the technological change index, identifying sluggish technological progress as the primary constraint on efficiency improvement. The study concludes that increasing investment in logistics R&D, optimizing factor allocation structures, and appropriately expanding industrial scale are essential strategies for systematically enhancing regional logistics efficiency.