ZHAOQING CITY’S “DUAL-TRANSFORMATION SYNERGY” DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM

Amid the accelerated restructuring of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area supply chain network, the competitive advantages of node cities are gradually shifting from factor costs to capability embedding and functional stratification. This study constructs an analytical framework—“supply chain network restructuring—dual transformation synergy—structural leap”—based on system coupling theory. Using entropy weight analysis and the coupling coordination index model, it measures the levels of digitalization and green development and their synergy status across 21 cities in Guangdong Province. Focusing on Zhaoqing City, it identifies its structural potential and the constraints on transformation. Findings reveal a pronounced gradient in Guangdong's dual-transition coordination, with coupling coordination degree ranging from 0.725 to 0.191 on average, forming a pyramid-shaped structure characterized by “core polarization—secondary core transition—peripheral reception.” Shenzhen and Guangzhou form a highly synergistic core zone, while Dongguan and Foshan are in the phase of functional enhancement. Most cities remain in the structural adjustment phase. Zhaoqing exhibits a coupling coordination index of only 0.146, with its digitalization index significantly lower than its greening index, resulting in a structurally asymmetric state of “relative green leadership—marked digital lag.” Its relative gap coefficient is 0.723, indicating a pronounced gradient fault line relative to core cities. From a supply chain embedding perspective, Zhaoqing's insufficient coordination stems from inadequate depth of digital capability embedding and limited spillover absorption capacity. This study provides quantitative evidence to identify the structural positions and transformation pathways of peripheral cities during regional network restructuring.