Industrial production efficiency and its determinants: Evidence from the eastern, western, and northern regions of Guangdong

Industrial development in Guangdong Province has historically concentrated in the Pearl River Delta, while eastern, western, and northern regions (EWN) remain underdeveloped, leading to regional disparities. Promoting industrial growth in EWN Guangdong is crucial for balanced development, industrial upgrading, and sustainability. Using panel data from 2018–2022, this study applies the data envelopment analysis-slack-based measure (DEA-SBM) model and Malmquist productivity index (MPI) to measure industrial efficiency and employs Tobit regression to analyze influencing factors. The results indicate: (1) significant regional disparities, with western Guangdong achieving the highest efficiency, while eastern and northern regions show greater potential for improvement; (2) overall efficiency has improved, mainly driven by technological progress; and (3) economic development significantly influences efficiency. Accordingly, the study recommends optimizing industrial structure and strengthening policy support, increasing R&D investment and talent attraction, improving resource allocation to reduce redundancy, and enhancing environmental protection to promote green development. These measures will help improve regional efficiency and foster sustainable industrial growth in Guangdong.