Balanced Regional Development Research Articles

Mathematical Methods in Determining Spatial Development Priorities for The Industrial Sector at The Level of The Iraqi Governorates: A Study of Quantitative Measures to Determine Investments in Industrial Urbanization

The levels of development exhibit significant disparities across countries and even among different parts of the same governorates. The major focus of many planners and decision makers was to investigate and analyze the regional variation in development levels. The study aims to examine the regional disparities in investment within the industrial sector throughout the governorates of Iraq. This analysis is not just based on quantitative indicators, but also takes into account the specific investment requirements of each governorate. To overcome this issue, we do the following actions: A mathematical model is constructed to elucidate the regional differences in investment amongst governorates. This model use factor analysis to quantify the association between various variables studied. Utilize the Ridge Regression Model to assess the influence of the factors on the geographical distribution of investment. The study aimed to determine the allocation of investment in the industry sector among the Iraqi governorates. The priorities for distribution were as follows: ''Al-Muthanna'', ''Missan'', ''Wasit'', ''Salahuddinni'', ''Thi-Qar'', ''Diala'', ''Kerbala'', ''Kirkuk'', ''Al-Qadisiya'', ''Al-Anbar'', ''Al-Najaf'', ''Babil'', ''Nineueh'', ''Basrah'', and Baghdad. This allocation aimed to achieve a balanced regional development. The value of the challenge coefficient (R^2= 0.84 and the correlation coefficient) (R= 0.91), which indicates the strength of the effect of the economic variables on the investment sector. This value is the spatial distribution of industrial investments among the governorates, and this is confirmed by the decrease in the value of (MSE) as it reached 3319.41, which confirms the increase in the efficiency of the model at (k= 0.016).

Rural transformation development: spatiotemporal evolution and mechanisms in the Garze-Ngawa-Liangshan region, Southwest China

ABSTRACT Rural transformation development (RTD) is crucial for achieving sustainable development in poverty-stricken rural areas. The Garze-Ngawa-Liangshan (GNL) region, an impoverished minority area in Southwest China, has undergone significant RTD in recent decades. This study establishes a comprehensive evaluation index model encompassing economy, population, land use and land cover, society, and ecology to explore the spatiotemporal variations of RTD and the differences in the transformation mechanisms in the GNL region. The results reveal that RTD in the GNL region exhibited notable spatiotemporal variation from 2000 to 2019. Despite considerable heterogeneity in spatial distribution, regional disparities in RTD have decreased, partly due to policy implementation. Importantly, the speed and magnitude of RTD, often overlooked in previous studies, are critical indicators for assessing its reasonableness. The ecological environment is particularly significant for RTD assessment, especially in China’s ecologically fragile mountainous rural areas. Our findings suggest that promoting balanced regional development is essential in poverty-stricken areas. This study provides valuable theoretical references for planners and policymakers in implementing rural revitalization strategies.

ESG-трансформация российских регионов: теоретические аспекты

The paper considers the theoretical aspects of sustainable development and ESG transformation of Russian regions. The research substantiates a systematic approach to the balanced development of regions as socio-ecological and economic systems. The concept of sustainable development and regional ESG transformation correlates to the concept of regional economic security, economic growth, human and social capital development. In our opinion, a systematic reproductive approach is the most productive in solving many problems of regional socio-economic development. Moreover, it could consider the following issues of regional ESG transformation: a six-stage scheme of social reproduction: «science – production – distribution – exchange – consumption – utilization»; natural-economic-institutional-social reproduction chain. One of the aspects of the reproductive approach is the concept of sustainable development and the ESG agenda. However, in terms of economic theory and philosophy, four types of «transformational connections» can be distinguished: interaction, relationships, institutions, and management decisions. The regional sustainable development, the achievement of high indicators of its socio-economic development is presented as a balanced interaction of three components: economy, social sphere, and ecology. Russian scientists consider regional ESG transformation in terms of economic security, regional economic growth, and increasing its attractiveness, development of technological potential, improvement of the institutional environment, and competencies of managers at all levels in the field of sustainable development and ESG.

한국과 일본의 중앙지방협력회의법의 비교연구

The National-Local Cooperation Council Act is the “Act on the Composition and Operation between the National and Local Government Cooperation Council (hereinafter referred to as the National-Local Cooperation Council” in Korea, and the “Act on Place of consultation between National and Local Government” in Japan. The purpose of enacting the National-Local Government Cooperation Council Act in Korea is to determine matters necessary for the composition and operation between the National and Local Government Cooperation Council, which is established to strengthen communication and cooperation between the state and local governments and to deliberate on important policies related to balanced development between local autonomy and regions. The purpose of enacting the Act on the Place of Japanese Consultation is to promote effective and efficient national and local government policies in consultation with relevant ministers and local representatives on the planning, formulation and implementation of national policies affecting local autonomy. The venue for consultation in Japanese law means a place of opportunity for the state (National government) and provinces to exchange opinions on an equal footing, that is, a “place of joint decision” through mutual consultation (meeting), and does not refer to a specific administrative agency. Korea's National and Local Government Cooperation Council is used in the same sense as the venue for Japan's consultation. Comparing the purpose of enacting the two laws, Japan, as the legal name implies, focuses on the meaning that the National and Local governments consult to effectively and efficiently promote specific policies, while Korea includes balanced regional development beyond the scope of discussing other policies, including the purpose of Japan's enactment. It can be said that the purpose of enacting the law is much wider and more diverse. Although Korea and Japan have slightly different legal names, this study aims to analyze the pros and cons of the National and Local Government Cooperation Council Act, which has similar legislative objectives and contents, and derive suggestions for Korean law.

Analysis of the spatial association network structure of China’s green innovation efficiency

Improving the green innovation efficiency (GIE) is the main approach to high-quality development in China. Identifying the spatial distribution and influencing factors of GIE is conducive to sustainable and balanced regional development. In this research, the slack based measure-data envelopment analysis model (SBM-DEA) is used to measure the GIE of 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2023. The gravity model and social network analysis methods are used to explore the spatial correlation of GIE in the provinces. The influencing factors of GIE are analyzed by the Tobit model. The results show that: (1) During the study period, the GIE of China’s provinces presented a high level, the spatial accumulation characteristics were obvious and the spatial correlation showed a complex network structure; (2) The association network is still in the primary stage, and the network strength and network association degree are low; (3) Provinces with strong innovation ability do not affect the green innovation of other provinces. In addition, these regions have obtained higher innovation linkage benefits from other provinces; (4) The amount of patent, education and government support have a significant positive impact on GIE, while total energy consumption and the secondary industry’s share of the gross domestic product have a significant negative impact on GIE. This study will reveal the characteristics of green innovation behavior of China from a new perspective, and provide a scientific basis for the formulation of green innovation behavior and related policies of China.

Can Mandatory Local-Talent Hiring Policy Reduce Regional Starting Wage Gap? Causal Evidence from Korean Graduates

This study investigates the impact of Korea's mandatory local-talent hiring policy on regional starting wage disparities between non-Seoul Metropolitan Area (non-SMA) and Seoul-based university graduates. We use a difference-in-differences approach with micro-level data from Korean university graduates between 2010 and 2019. Our findings demonstrate that the policy has significantly reduced wage disparities by creating demand for skilled graduates from non-SMA universities, particularly benefiting those from top-ranking institutions. This demand has driven them to enhance their educational standards, leading to improved rankings and average GPAs. Our mechanism analysis confirms that these improvements are crucial in narrowing wage disparities. Interestingly, the treatment effects are stronger for humanities graduates compared to those in science and engineering. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to promote balanced regional development in similar contexts.

Assessing the Regional Socio-Economic Disparities, Evidence from Jordan

Objectives: Regional disparity in development among regions in developing countries is a common issue. Despite being a small, emerging economy, Jordan suffers from this problem. This study aims to identify and explore regional disparities in Jordan between 2010 and 2018 by integrating social and economic factors. Methods: A mixed-methods approach combining statistical analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques was employed to uncover the economic and social disparities in Jordan, and classify the governorates accordingly. This study presents the results of the Lorenz curve and the site quotient and shows the direct interactions between social disparities on economic disparities in Jordan. Results: The results indicated significant differences between the twelve governorates in Jordan. The capital city, Amman, possesses the highest share of social and economic factors in Jordan and is the only governorate with the highest economic growth. The second and third-ranking governorates in terms of ratios are Irbid and Zarqa. Conclusions: The study recommends implementing balanced and obligatory regional development plans, utilizing an integrated team of experts, decision-makers, investors, and local representatives. Emphasizing the importance of decentralization and empowering local councils in the governorates is crucial.

Methodological approaches to the assessment of balanced spatial development of regions

Subject. This article discusses the problem of uneven development of regions. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the methods of smoothing spatial polarization and develop an algorithm for assessing the balance of regional development. Methods. For the study, we used a comparative analysis, and the tabular and graphic visualization techniques. Results. The article finds that the processes of polarization are due to socio-economic inequality, and it presents an original methodology for assessing the balance of spatial development, developed on the basis of the cluster approach. Conclusions. At the State level, it is necessary to approve a unified methodology for assessing the balance of Russia's spatial development. When developing programmes for the development of regions, it is necessary to be guided by the concept of leveling spatial imbalances.

Allocation of CO2 emission quotas for industrial production in Industry 4.0: Efficiency and equity

The method of carbon emission quota (CEQ) allocation based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) can allocate quotas without impacting efficiency improvements in industrial sector. A key element in effectively reducing carbon emissions is ensuring accurate efficiency measurement and equitable allocation of CEQ in the Industry 4.0 era. This paper divides industrial system into two stages: production (which more accurately reflects carbon emissions in production) and trading (which involves in the commercial system). Carbon emission efficiency in the production stage is calculated with a DEA model, with a high degree of accuracy. Given that higher efficiency values correspond with stronger capacity to bear the costs of carbon reduction, a CEQ allocation model is proposed which considers the contribution degree of efficiency. This model is applied to China’s industrial production system. The results show that a CEQ allocation scheme that focuses only on the production stage is more equitable than schemes which treat the industrial system as a black box. In allocation schemes which focus only on the production stage, the central region of China is least able to bear the cost of carbon reduction and receives the most CEQ, and the opposite is true in the eastern region of China. The proposed method not only measures the carbon emission efficiency of industrial production more accurately, but also considers the balanced development of different regions when allocating carbon emission rights. The CEQ allocation scheme based on our model can confidently meet the needs of sustainable development in the era of Industry 4.0.

Inter- and intra-regional tourism disparities in Greece: trends and impacts for balanced regional development

ABSTRACT This paper builds on the literature on whether tourism promotes balanced regional development (BRD) by examining intra-regional disparities as part of total tourism inequality, an issue that is rarely addressed, and then not for a developed country. To that end, Mean Log Deviation (MLD) indices of tourism demand and supply indicators are compared in the case of Greece. The results indicate that inter-regional disparities are the main driver of total inequality, apart from the case of domestic tourism. The latter can be a more effective tool for BRD, which is not accomplished under the current tourism spatial pattern. The paper, lastly, provides recommendations at which level (national or regional) tourism policy becomes more essential to effectively reducing inequalities.

인구감소와 지방소멸에 대한 법적 대응

Korea has been implementing a policy of restricting birth from the 1960s to the 1990s amid explosive population growth after the Korean War. In the provinces, the rural population and the population of small cities have been concentrated in large cities and metropolitan areas due to lack of jobs, infrastructure, and capital. Korea's population began to decline in 2021 after peaking in 2020, and in 2023, it became a country with the lowest birth rate in the world at 0.72, and will soon become a super-aging society. The government has enacted the Framework Act On Low Birth Rate In An Aging Society, the Special Act on Local Autonomy Decentralization and Balanced Regional Development, and the Special Act On Support For Depopulation Regions to promote balanced regional development and to prepare legal policies to cope with population decline and local extinction. In Korea, there are many places where baby cries have stopped, and the equity of the burden of tax and social security costs between generations is a problem due to the low birth rate and the aging society, and the burden of social welfare costs is increasing in local governments. In this paper, after analyzing the current status of Korea's legislation on population decline and regional extinction response, we propose a plan to enact the Regional Revitalization (Regional Revitalization) Act since there are many population decline response laws, but there is no general law on regional extinction response. In addition, although encouraging immigration is not a fundamental measure to respond to population decline and regional extinction, the promotion of flexible local immigration policies in countries such as Australia, the United States, and France is becoming a major factor in population growth, so a regional-led local immigration system must be devised. do. In addition, in the case of Europe, when a city is created as a smart city, it is common for the population to concentrate, and as the population decreases in cities or rural areas with underdeveloped social infrastructure due to ICT convergence technology, cities in population-decreasing areas We review the issue of smart city creation within the city. In addition, when population decreases and regions disappear, there is no need to continuously expand and create cities as is currently the case, so the issue of introducing an appropriate location planning system to create a compact city (compressed city) is reviewed. In addition, we examine the expansion of the scope of use of the living population support introduced by the Depopulation Area Act and the concept and requirements of the related population, and review the issue of introducing a corporate hometown love donation tax to respond to population decline and regional extinction. Lastly, since population decline and regional extinction cannot be resolved through financial support alone, implementation of institutional guarantees for marriage and family community guaranteed under the Constitution, establishment of a livable local environment and infrastructure, provision of sufficient jobs and guaranteed income, transportation, education, and culture. I hope that the Constitution will be amended to create an equal living environment in the metropolitan area and local areas by guaranteeing accessibility to medical care, etc.

A study on the potential of digital economy in reducing agricultural carbon emissions

Agriculture is a significant source of carbon emissions, which have a substantial environmental impact. The digital economy plays a vital role in mitigating these emissions through innovative digital solutions. As a leading agricultural nation, China faces substantial pressure to reduce its agricultural carbon emissions(ACE). This paper aims to thoroughly examine the relationship between the growth of the rural digital economy and ACE. To achieve this, we utilize an extensive panel dataset covering China's provinces from 2011 to 2020, analyzing the dynamic and spatial effects of digital economy development on ACE. The key findings of this research are as follows: (1) The rapid expansion of the digital economy significantly reduces ACE. (2) The impact of digital economic development on lowering ACE varies spatially, with a clear progression from eastern to western regions. (3) The digital economy helps reduce ACE through three specific channels: fostering technological innovation, enhancing scale efficiency management, and providing agricultural financial incentives. Based on these findings, this study proposes policy recommendations to improve digital infrastructure, promote balanced regional development in the digital economy, and optimize the management of agricultural science and technology. These policy insights aim to transform agriculture and achieve the goal of reducing ACE, thereby contributing to broader environmental sustainability.

Helping Mongolia out of Poverty: Analyzing Social Challenges and Public Policy

Mongolia's challenging geography and historical development obstacles position it on the fringes of economic advancement. This paper presents a thorough analysis of its unique social, cultural, and economic hurdles, proposing visionary strategies for poverty alleviation and sustainable growth. The first section advocates a shift towards value-added industrialization, addressing the sparse population by exploring rural-to-urban migration and urging the dismantling of gender-based divisions while fostering rural entrepreneurship. The second part highlights leveraging indigenous cultural attributes and uplifting rural assembly industries to achieve balanced regional development. However, it cautions against unintended consequences like protectionism and urban-rural disparities. The third segment uncovers fundamental impediments rooted in Mongolia's self-sufficient, myopic nomadic culture, underscoring the need for education to reshape outdated mindsets. Moreover, the abrupt transition from nomadism to socialism and Western ideals has left a fragmented cultural identity, posing an identity challenge. This paper emphasizes the enduring influence of culture on socio-economic progress and underscores the significance of cultural preservation to steer Mongolia towards prosperity and global equity.

The impact of administrative boundaries on foreign direct investments in China's Yangtze River Delta region

We investigate the theoretical mechanisms that underpin the influence of administrative boundaries on foreign direct investment (FDI), taking into account the dual impact of administrative boundary effects. Using panel data from Yangtze River Delta counties collected between 2011 and 2019, we empirically investigate administrative boundaries' effect on FDI within these regions. The findings show that from 2011 to 2019, China's Yangtze River Delta had a consistently positive but moderate global Moran's I index, indicating limited spatial interconnectivity among county-level FDIs. Inter-county FDI in the Yangtze River Delta is hampered by provincial administrative boundaries, with cross-provincial FDI disparities greater than those within the same province. Notably, the Anhui-Zhejiang border experienced a temporary shift from a negative to a positive effect coefficient between 2011 and 2015, whereas other interprovincial boundaries consistently had negative coefficients. The FDI boundary barrier effect is attributed to natural barriers, administrative boundaries, and government performance assessments. In contrast, the boundary intermediary effect results from economic activity diffusion, inter-regional industrial relocation, and inter-regional geographical interaction. This study examines the impact of administrative boundaries on regional economic development through the lens of FDI, intending to provide useful insights for promoting balanced regional development in China and other developing countries. Furthermore, it guides international investors on their ventures in China, attempting to enrich their decision-making framework with strategic perspectives on the country's investment environment.

Evidence of Development Inequality in Papua

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to identify and analyze disparities in per capita income between regions/areas in the Papua Mountain Province, analyze and compile recommendations regarding efforts to overcome development disparities between regions/areas in the Papua Mountain Province. Method: The research utilizes a comparative analysis approach to examine the disparities in per capita income between regions/areas in the Papua Mountain Province. Data from the last ten years (2013–2022) are analyzed to assess economic growth gaps and inter-regional economic disparities between districts in the Central Papua Province Region. Result and Conclusion: The study reveals significant economic growth gaps between regions/areas within the Papua Mountain Province over the past decade. These disparities indicate the need for efforts to address and overcome development discrepancies among districts. To promote equitable development across regions, district/city governments in the Papua Mountain Province must focus on improving community welfare and regional competitiveness. Implication of the Research: The research underscores the importance of addressing development disparities between regions/areas in the Papua Mountain Province. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and local governments to develop targeted strategies and policies aimed at reducing economic disparities and promoting balanced regional development. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of development disparities within the Papua Mountain Province. By highlighting the economic growth gaps and inter-regional disparities, the research offers practical recommendations for fostering inclusive and sustainable development in the region.

The Economic Consequences of Tin Mining for Rural Livelihoods and Regional Development in Jos Plateau, Nigeria

This study explores the multifaceted economic consequences of tin mining on rural livelihoods and regional development in Jos Plateau, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the paper combines quantitative data analysis of economic indicators with qualitative interviews from local stakeholders, including miners, community leaders, and government officials. The purpose is to provide a nuanced understanding of the economic dynamics shaped by tin mining in the region. The research reveals that tin mining has historically been a significant driver of economic activity, leading to infrastructure development and job creation. However, it has also resulted in environmental degradation, health hazards, and social tensions due to land disputes and unequal wealth distribution. Furthermore, the study examines the role of government policies and international market fluctuations in influencing the economic outcomes of tin mining. The key findings underscore the importance of implementing sustainable mining practices and developing inclusive economic policies that prioritize the welfare of rural communities and foster balanced regional development. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at maximizing the positive economic impacts of tin mining while mitigating its adverse effects.

Correlation Analysis of Urban Road Network Structure and Spatial Distribution of Tourism Service Facilities at Multi-Scales Based on Tourists’ Travel Preferences

Harbin, as a popular tourist city in China, and the host of the 2025 Asian Winter Games, boasts rich tourism resources and significant potential for further development. The structure of the urban road network is a crucial factor influencing the spatial distribution of tourism service facilities. However, the current research on the correlation between the two, analyzed at multiple scales based on tourists’ travel preferences, is not sufficient. First, utilizing the questionnaire survey method to analyze tourists’ travel preferences and combining it with the theory of 15-min life circle, we determine the study scales at 500 m, 1000 m, 3000 m, and 5000 m. Secondly, the integration value and choice value of roads in the main urban area of Harbin are analyzed based on the theory of spatial syntax. The spatial distribution characteristics of tourism service facilities are then revealed through kernel density analysis. Finally, the correlation between the road network structure and the distribution of various types of tourism service facilities in Harbin at different scales is determined through buffer analysis and Pearson bivariate correlation analysis. The results show that: (1) Integration value plays a significant positive role in promoting the clustering of tourism service facilities, especially tending to cluster in areas with high integration value formed at a scale of 500 m; (2) At the scale of 3000 m, the distribution of tourism service facilities exhibits a significant correlation with the choice value; (3) The correlation between dining, shopping, and entertainment facilities and the integration value decreases with the increase in scale, whereas the spatial distribution of accommodation and attraction facilities does not exhibit a regular pattern with changes in integration value. In addition, this paper also puts forward targeted suggestions for optimizing the urban road network structure, reasonably locating tourism service facilities, and implementing balanced regional development. The contribution of this study is that it will help improve tourists’ travel experience in the city and provide scientific support for promoting the overall sustainable development of tourism in Harbin.

The tunnels are a prerequisite for living here: lessons from the Faroe Islands on how push-pull factors affect populations in small remote communities

Small remote communities in the Nordic countries face unique challenges due to their geographical isolation, limited resources, and sparse population. The latter is affected by migration, which can have both positive and negative implications for communities’ development, and so understanding the factors influencing migration patterns is essential for ensuring balanced regional development. This paper focuses on the population trends over the last two centuries in the Faroe Islands; more specifically, in the two small remote communities Hvannasund and Viðareiði in the Northern Islands. The overall theoretical framework applied is the push-pull migration concept. By examining the push-pull factors that drive migration patterns in these communities, the paper explores the impact on socio-economic development, and by analysing the interplay between these factors, this study aims to provide insights into the dynamics of movements and their implications for the development of small remote communities. The main findings are that economic factors are the main push-pull factors to explain the population changes in the investigated communities, while the social/demographic, political, and environmental factors to a lesser degree can explain the fluctuations but impact the more linear trends over time.

Circular economy startups and digital entrepreneurial ecosystems

AbstractCircular economy (CE) is the way forward to protect an endangered environment, promote social justice, and advance sustainable and balanced regional economic development. The proliferation of the CE concept and the circular startup (CSU) boom coincides with digital transformation, a socioeconomic change propelled by the widespread adoption of digital technologies. This paper uses a systems theory perspective to study the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem's (DEE) role in CSU formation. Fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is used to empirically explore the configurational recipes for the presence and absence of a high CSU formation rate. The results reveal that for a high CSU formation, DEE elements, such as digital protection and access, act as critical drivers, while other DEE elements take on a supportive role. The findings also show the complementarity effects, substitution effects, and neutral permutations of DEE elements among the configurations.

The Impact of Urban Public Services on the Residence Intentions of Migrant Entrepreneurs in the Western Region of China

Balanced regional development affects high-quality and sustainable development. Previous studies have shown that regional talent allocation, technology business incubators, industrial ecology, cross-regional cooperation, and balanced investment in higher education have positive effects on sustained regional development. Therefore, discussing more influencing factors that promote regionally balanced development is necessary. As far as China is concerned, with the spread of the migrant population to the central and western regions, it is of certain significance to explore the factors affecting the development of the western region from the perspective of migrant entrepreneurs’ flow. Urban public services, as an important way for the government to attract talent, directly affect the residence intentions of migrant entrepreneurs in the future. This paper uses the matching data of the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey and 289 prefecture-level city data from the China City Statistical Yearbook to study the impact of urban public services in the western region on the residence intention of migrant entrepreneurs and further examines the heterogeneous impact of urban public services in the western region on the residence intention of migrant entrepreneurs. We find that urban public services in the western region significantly affect the residence intention of migrant entrepreneurs; that is, the higher the level of urban public services, the stronger the residence intention of migrant entrepreneurs. According to the heterogeneity analysis of household registration differences, generational differences, family structure differences, employment identity differences, and industry and flow range differences, this paper finds that public services have a positive impact on the residence intention of non-urban migrant entrepreneurs, the older generation of migrant entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs with small family structures, migrant entrepreneurs in low-tech industries, self-employed entrepreneurs, cross-province migration, and intra-province migrant entrepreneurs. Further analysis indicates that the level of education, culture, medical care, and transportation services in cities significantly enhances the permanent residence intentions of migrant entrepreneurs. The research conclusion not only provides reference and inspiration for China to achieve common prosperity through entrepreneurship and poverty reduction practices, but it can also, to some extent, alleviate population aggregation in large cities and promote the formation of a scientific and reasonable urbanization pattern. In addition, this paper explores the attractiveness of public services to migrant entrepreneurs in the western region of China from the perspective of entrepreneurs’ mobility and complements the relevant research on promoting regional balanced development.