Driving spatial network connections in rural settlements: The role of e-commerce

Abstract

In certain developing countries, the e-commerce industries of rural areas are subjected to clustering, which provides an entry point through which the following can be observed: the influence of information and communications technology and the digital economy on spatial connections in rural settlements. Hence, Zhejiang Province, China's leading rural e-commerce province, is selected as the study site. The spatial correlation between e-commerce and the spatial landscape pattern of rural settlements and their network connections is analysed. Moreover, with regard to the spatial network of rural settlements, the driving factors of e-commerce are explored. The research findings demonstrate that: (1) e-commerce cluster areas are primarily distributed where the in-degree is higher than the out-degree, and the betweenness centrality is also significant. (2) E-commerce fosters the expansion and integration of land use in rural settlements and enhances the spatial network connections between rural settlements. (3) In regional economies, e-commerce enhances the connectivity and resource circulation efficiency of spatial networks in rural settlements through scale effects, traffic and informatisation levels, and the logistics development environment. The aforementioned findings contribute to the enrichment of the policy toolbox for rural planning and spatial governance, and the exploration of the market potential of e-commerce development in rural areas.