SDSSocial Development Studies3083-38763083-3868Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/SDS.v2i3.16155ArticleResearch on the Impact of Green Finance on High-Quality Regional Economic Developmenthttps://artdesignp.com/journal/SDS/2/3/10.26689/SDS.v2i3.16155PanZhiwei2026232026-06-30The ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin have been identified as a major national strategic initiative, and their advancement relies on innovative institutional arrangements to promote green development. Green finance serves as the link between ecological environmental protection goals and sustainable economic growth, playing a crucial role in the economic transformation and high-quality development of the region. This study focuses on nine provinces and autonomous regions covered by the main stream and major tributaries of the Yellow River. Starting from the impact of green finance on the high-quality development of regional economies, it analyzes the driving effects of green finance and its specific transmission pathways. First, it establishes a relevant theoretical framework and reviews domestic and international research findings to clarify the intrinsic connection between green finance and high-quality economic development, thereby creating a scientific research indicator system. Second, it employs panel data analysis combined with a mediation effect model to empirically examine the influence of green finance development levels on regional economic growth quality from 2010 to 2022, including spatial distribution patterns and potential influencing factors (such as technological innovation capabilities and industrial structure optimization). Overall, green finance practices in the region have significantly improved economic efficiency, with more pronounced effects in provinces and cities along the middle and lower reaches of the river. Technological innovation activities and industrial upgrading processes jointly foster this positive interaction pattern. Based on the above analysis, the paper proposes policy recommendations from several aspects, including improving top-level design, deepening collaboration mechanisms between banks and governments, and accelerating the commercialization of scientific research achievements. These measures aim to achieve coordinated governance among Yellow River basin provinces, enhance ecological restoration outcomes, and promote the coordinated development of the economy and society.Green finance economy, High-quality development, Regional heterogeneity, Mediating effect

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