Dynamic interactions and mechanisms between high‐quality urbanization and ecosystem service value in Shandong Province: Trends, coordination, and implications for sustainable development

Abstract An extensive and profound investigation into the dynamic interactions between High‐Quality Urbanization (HQU) and Ecosystem Service Value are of utmost importance for the coordinated development of the region. Diverging from traditional macro‐level analysis, this study is grounded on county‐scale data, measuring HQU and ecosystem service value from a multidimensional perspective. On the basis of the research framework of “phenomena‐relationships‐mechanisms”, we expect to delve deeper into the spatio‐temporal evolutionary characteristics of ecosystem service value and HQU and their integrated interactions. Additionally, we utilize econometric models to rigorously evaluate the impact of HQU on ecosystem service value, with the goal of filling the current research gaps. The research results are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the ecosystem service value in Shandong Province exhibit an overall decreasing and then increasing trend, and shows a spatial posture of high east and low west. HQU generally maintains a steady upward trend, and its spatio‐temporal evolution has apparent heterogeneity. (2) The Coupled Coordination Degree (CCD) between HQU and ecosystem service value has a gradual rising trend, and there is an increasing level of consistency between them. (3) HQU has a negative effect on ecosystem service value, and the direction and degree of the effect on segmented ecosystem service value types vary greatly. (4) The effect of HQU on ecosystem service value is heterogenous, and the attenuating effect is mainly found in grain‐producing counties, inland counties, and counties with a lower index of high‐quality urbanization. In conclusion, our results are expected to provide targeted recommendations for sustainable development and ecological balance in Shandong Province.