Do the rank difference of industrial development zones affect land use efficiency? A regional analysis in China

Abstract

The Chinese government's hierarchical management of industrial development zones has an important impact on economic development and land use. However, the impact mechanism of rank different of development zones on land use efficiency is still unclear. This study summarizes the institutional differences between the national and provincial industrial development zones in preferential policies, strategic status, industry layout, and management systems. Based on the estimation of land use efficiency of 120 industrial development zones in Jiangsu Province, this paper uses panel data regression model to explore the impact of rank difference of industrial development zone on land use efficiency. The results indicate that there are significant differences in land use efficiency between different ranks of industrial development zones. The industrial land of national industrial development zones is much more efficient than that of provincial industrial development zones. The efficiency of national industrial development zones in southern Jiangsu is far higher than that in the other two regions. Except for Seaside and Riverside Development Zones, the rank of industrial development zone has a significant positive impact on land use efficiency. The type, age and water resource condition of industrial development zones can contribute to promoting land use efficiency. Regional economic development and traffic accessibility also have a positive impact on land use efficiency.