Spatial path to achieve urban-rural integration development − analytical framework for coupling the linkage and coordination of urban-rural system functions

This study presents a groundbreaking theoretical framework to examine the role of urban-rural system functions (URSFs) in the coordinated development of urban-rural integration (URI). The main emphasis is on the systematic, spatial, and procedural aspects of urban-rural relations (URRs), aiming to rectify the imbalances and deficiencies in URI development. Through multivariate measurement methods, the study evaluates the functional robustness of the urban-rural system (URS) from perspectives of living, production, and ecology, and distinguishes the degree of interaction and coordination. It introduces a spatial path for URI using module combinations and “point-axis” abstract logic. An empirical analysis of China's eastern provinces discloses a noticeable decrease in URS functionality from developed to underdeveloped regions. Although linkage and complementarity between urban and rural areas are significant, mutual promotion and equilibrium between urban and rural production and living functions remain suboptimal. In Shandong Province, the coordination attributes of the three primary URSFs are predominantly characterized by low coordination, an imbalance type of weaker R, and significant urban overshadowing of rural dynamics. Urban-rural synchronous promotion overwhelmingly defines URS functional relationship typologies. The integrated pattern of urban-rural development (URD) after the integration of system functions is a “point-area” feature, gradually expanding the scope from the URI model area, the URI pilot area, and the URI transition area to the URI key area, and shows the spatial structural layout of “two centers, three groups and six circles”. To achieve URI development, comprehensive planning and coordinated promotion of new urbanization and rural revitalization strategies are needed, focusing on micro-level rural regional system issues. The study emphasizes a new model and path for URI development, wherein urban areas support rural development, both develop synchronously, and rural development takes precedence over urban development.