Spatial network characteristics and drivers of the collaborative development of the arterial and venous industries in “Zero Waste City”: Based on 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China

The requirements of solid waste reduction, recycling, and harmlessness in the construction of “Zero Waste City” have introduced higher standards for the development of the arterial and venous industries. This study takes 31 provincial regions in China as the research objects. The coupling coordination degree model is used to quantify the collaborative development level of the venous and arterial industries in “Zero Waste City” from 2014 to 2023, and the process’s temporal and spatial evolution is examined. By applying the modified gravity model, social network analysis, and quadratic assignment procedure, this study examines the characteristics and drivers of the spatial network. The research shows that the collaborative development level of the arterial and venous industries in China’s provincial “Zero Waste City” exhibits a steady growing tendency over time and a stable downward trend from east to west in space. The frequency of connections in the spatial network demonstrates a declining trend of divergence from the east to the outside. Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and other regions are the central hubs in the network. Geographical proximity, economic difference, industrial structure difference, and public environmental attention difference facilitate the establishment of the spatial network, while government support difference inhibits its formation.