Static-dynamic characteristics and management scheme of county space resilience based on geographical natures—An empirical study of 95 counties from Jiangsu Province, China

Resilient counties has the capability to navigate adverse environmental changes, adaptively reallocate resources during challenges, and bolster county competitiveness. This study introduces an original framework for nurturing resilient counties based on geographical natures, emphasizing the role of geographic space evolution, termed county space resilience (CSR). This study focuses on 95 counties in Jiangsu, a prominent province in the rapidly urbanizing region of eastern China, as a case study. Employing a multi-dimensional feature model and LISA spatiotemporal transition analysis, this study analyzes the static-dynamic characteristics of CSR and proposes a regional guidance scheme. This study draws three key conclusions. Firstly, it reveals that the average CSR value decreased from 0.327 in 2000 to 0.320 in 2005, then increased to 0.380 in 2021, and the geographic trend of transitioning from more economically developed zones to less developed ones. Secondly, the general structural characteristics of CSR were classified into four groups: upgrade transformation, focus optimization, potential enhancement, and safety adjustment. Furthermore, the spatial–temporal coalescence of the Moran’s I scatterplot equals 0.684, signifying stability in the spatial correlation of CSR. Additionally, the dynamic evolution characteristics of CSR were categorized into positive and negative types, with the Yangtze River Green Development Belt acting as the boundary. Lastly, this study constructs a management scheme comprising zoning control and classification strategy tailored for different counties, offering strategic recommendations customized for each. This scheme can serve as a decision-making foundation for policymakers in county development endeavors, fostering the cultivation of resilient counties.