Spatial-Temporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Rural Financial Resource Allocation Efficiency in China

Abstract

Abstract China is faced with challenge of improving efficiency in rural financial resource allocation in rural revitalization. This research examines the spatial-temporal evolutions of the static and dynamic allocation efficiency (SAE and DAE) of financial resources in rural China and their influencing factors. The combination of a super-slack-based measure (SBM) model with the Malmquist productivity index (MPI) is used to evaluate SAE and DAE from 2000 to 2019, respectively. Also, the spatial econometric models are applied to estimate spatial effects and effects of influencing factors on SAE or DAE. The result shows that SAE and DAE has been fluctuant de-creasing from a temporal perspective, while the differences in SAE or DAE among provinces from a spatial perspective are gradually decreasing. In particular, SAE shows a spatial distribution pattern of "high in the south and low in the northwest" and spatial siphon effect, while DAE gradually evolved into three high-efficiency poles in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Sichuan. Further analysis shows that the development of economy significantly limited SAE and DAE; the ratio of deposits to loans significantly increased SAE, while the proportion of agriculture and the convenience of commodity market transactions adversely affected SAE. In addition, the regional education level significantly increased DAE. This research may help to formulate a reasonable allocation of limited rural financial resources. Classification code JEL G20; D14; J24