Studying Spatial Correlation and Regional Differences in Local Government Debt Performance Using Spatial Econometric Models

The magnitude and type structure of local government debt are first analyzed in this work. Then, using the “4E” evaluation theory, a local government debt performance assessment index system is built. Second, an entropy-TOPSIS technique is used to calculate the risk index of local government debt performance, and a spatial econometric model is used to examine the geographical spillover impact of local government debt performance across different areas. Finally, the heterogeneity of local government debt management was evaluated using the Malmquist index. The findings demonstrate that the hypothesized national effect is often superior to the sub-regional effects, with a debt ratio regression result of -0.065. Despite the overall local government debt coefficient being -0.032, the direct impact coefficient for the eastern area is -0.025.