Effectiveness and theoretical system building of water economy in the new era

Water economy, as an emerging economic form in the new era that underpins high-quality development and the construction of ecological civilization, faces effectiveness challenges in achieving system-wide coordination, notably between security and development and between government and market. These constraints have thus far limited its capacity to fully mobilize effective investment and to respond to the strategic imperative of expanding domestic demand. Drawing on the historical evolution of water development and utilization, water conservation and intensive use, and the realization of water-related value, this study develops an effectiveness-oriented conceptualization of a livelihood-oriented water economy for the new era, in which the “Two Mountains” theory serves as the value guide, waterbody space provides the spatial carrier, and new quality productive forces act as a key enabling driver. On the basis of a systematic review of relevant industrial classifications and current development conditions, effectiveness is defined as a dynamic capacity for maintaining balance across the coupled natural, social, and economic system. The study elucidates the theoretical foundations of high-quality development in water economy and effectiveness-coupling logic, and proposes a people-centeredphilosophy with holistic security and value creation as its two supporting wings, together with core propositions and policy recommendations for watereconomy development in the new era. By embedding effectiveness throughout the entire process of operationalizing the “Two Mountains” transformation within water economy in the new era, the theoretical system and research conclusions provide a theoretical foundation for advancing the high-quality development of China's water economy.