Objective This study conducts an in-depth analysis of the impact effects of new quality productive forces (NQPF) on ecological well-being performance (EWP) in Shaanxi Province and identifies enhancement pathways for high EWP configurations, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and scientific reference for regional sustainable development and location-specific development of NQPF. Methods Based on the measurement of EWP in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2022, the spatial Durbin model (SDM) was employed to reveal the spatial spillover effects of NQPF. Additionally, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was employed to summarize the diverse pathways for enhancing EWP in Shaanxi Province. Results (1) Over the past two decades, Shaanxi Province′s EWP demonstrated an overall fluctuating upward trend, with a spatial distribution pattern of “higher in the south and lower in the north”. Xi′an and Ankang showed the most prominent increases of 1.072 and 1.301, respectively. (2) In terms of impact effects, NQPF, industrial structure, and government administrative capacity had significant positive effects on EWP, with NQPF and economic development level exhibiting strong spatial spillover effects. (3) Configuration analysis indicated that innovation-ecology driven, productivity leap-industrial upgrading driven, and internal-external coordination driven were the three effective pathways for enhancing EWP in Shaanxi Province. Conclusion This study empirically demonstrates the significant driving role of NQPF in improving Shaanxi Province′s EWP. Under the synergistic effect of NQPF and diverse influencing factors, Shaanxi Province can achieve effective EWP enhancement through pathways such as innovation, transformation, and upgrading.
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