Dynamic evaluation research on competition and cooperation indicators of urban agglomeration in Western Guangdong based on niche theory

Abstract

With the deepening of regional integration, urban competition and cooperation have evolved into a complex symbiotic system centered on urban agglomerations. This study measures and diagnoses the competition–cooperation relationship within the western Guangdong urban agglomeration (Zhanjiang, Maoming, and Yangjiang), and proposes feasible pathways for coordinated regional development. Based on niche theory, a four-dimensional indicator system covering environment, resources, economy, and society was constructed. The CRITIC weighting method, together with niche breadth, overlap, and expansion models, was applied to quantitatively measure the degree of inter-city competition and cooperation. The results show that: (1) niche breadth differs markedly among the three cities; (2) niche expansion remains weak overall (mean < 0.5), reflecting insufficient endogenous growth and constrained regional competitiveness; (3) niche overlap stays persistently high (mean > 0.85), carrying risks of industrial isomorphism and vicious competition. Taken together, the agglomeration faces a structural dilemma of “low expansion and high overlap.” Escaping homogeneous competition requires shifting from confrontational rivalry toward complementary collaboration. Three strategies are proposed: building a differentiated industrial division system, deepening the “dual-zone linkage” open pattern, and jointly developing a regional science and technology innovation corridor. These findings offer decision-making references for resolving homogenized competition and achieving the collaborative evolution of the urban agglomeration.