The Spatial Value and Efficiency of Inland Ports with Different Development Models: A Case Study in China

Abstract

Inland ports have become elements of the modern transport and logistics infrastructure hub and play an important role in shaping urban spatial texture. However, the spatial dimensions of their development have received little attention in the existing literature. This paper explores the spatial value concept for inland ports, i.e., the node and place values, by using a node-place model that was adopted for passenger terminals such as metro stations or train terminals. After measuring the node and place values, our research further evaluates the efficiency of node value’s impact in improving place value, which indicates the effects of node value on regional development. This paper examines the impact of inland port activities on regional development, studying 12 Chinese inland ports with various models. The results show that half of the inland ports are balanced in terms of node value and place value. Only 50% of the inland ports are efficient, in terms of the contribution of node value to place value, in promoting the regional economy. Inland ports in a balanced position are usually more efficient. This study provides new evidence of inland ports promoting regional development, as well as a basis for policy-making for future inland ports.