Structural Characteristics of Intergovernmental Water Pollution Control Cooperation Networks Using Social Network Analysis and GIS in Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration, China

Water pollution exhibits distinct negative externalities, necessitating trans-regional collaborative governance among basin governments. However, few studies have examined the structural features of water collaboration networks local governments in China from a spatial analysis perspective. This study focuses on 27 central cities Yangtze River Delta, collecting 109 policy texts and evidence cooperative actions these cities. By utilizing combination social network GIS analysis, research visualizes results delves into overall structure internal network. The indicate that density cooperation is 0.75, suggesting relatively stable closely connected for has been formed. Furthermore, Delta typical “multi-center” structure, with Shanghai–Suzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou as core, forming three city clusters tighter cooperation. Suzhou, Shanghai, Jiaxing highest degree centrality, which are 51, 46, 44, respectively. centrality reveals higher levels economic development or those serve provincial capitals often play leading role also observes adjacent closer to core more likely establish relationships; this phenomenon not limited by administrative boundaries.