Has China’s New Infrastructure Promoted Sustainable Economic Development? Evidence Based on Information Infrastructure and Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has always been regarded as an important economic activity that promotes sustainable economic development, enlivens markets and social transactions, and cultivates entrepreneurial spirit. As a unique concept in China’s economic development, new infrastructure has been widely disseminated and practiced and has also contributed to urban development and sustainable economic growth. However, there is little research by scholars on whether there is a causal relationship between the two, that is, whether new infrastructure will affect the level of regional entrepreneurship in sustainable economic development. This article used panel data from 267 cities in China between 2011 and 2017 to examine the impact of new infrastructure on regional entrepreneurial activities. Research has found that the construction of new infrastructure, especially information infrastructure, significantly promotes regional entrepreneurship. This study explored mechanisms such as human capital agglomeration and alleviating financing constraints. This study also found that the impact of new infrastructure on entrepreneurship varies based on the urban administrative level and region, with a more significant impact on central cities and central and western regions. This study will help researchers discover and understand the role of new infrastructure in regional entrepreneurship while promoting sustainable economic development.