Infrastructure Connectivity Research Articles

North-East India: A ‘Gateway’ to Enhanced Connectivity with East and Southeast Asia

North-East India, situated at the crossroads of South, East, and Southeast Asia, is poised to become a vital ‘gateway’ to foster seamless connectivity and cooperation between India and the ‘Asia-Pacific’ region. The region’s strategic location makes it a crucial player in India’s foreign policy, particularly through the ‘Act East Policy’ aimed at strengthening ties with ‘East’ and ‘Southeast Asia.’ With its geographical proximity to Southeast and East Asian markets, North-East India has immense potential for increased investment under the ‘Act East Policy,’ making it an attractive hub for trade, commerce, and connectivity. The region’s connectivity infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports, and ports, is being upgraded to facilitate seamless trade and people-to-people contacts. This improvement in connectivity is expected to boost regional economic growth, enhance India’s Act East Policy, and foster ASEAN-India cooperation. This paper explores North-East India’s potential as a ‘gateway’ to enhance connectivity with ‘East’ and ‘Southeast Asia,’ highlighting its geo-strategic significance, economic opportunities, and cultural connections, and assessing its role in shaping India’s foreign policy and regional integration. The paper also investigates the government’s initiatives and projects to facilitating connectivity with ‘East’ and ‘Southeast Asia.

From the border of ‘barrier’ to the border of ‘connectivity’: The current development and connectivity of Vietnam-China cross-border infrastructure

The purpose of the article is to examine the changes in cross-border cooperation between Vietnam and China as a result of the development and connectivity of cross-border infrastructure between the two countries. This article is based on a mixed-methods study that includes desk research and surveys. The article explains how the two countries’ approaches to border shifted from ‘barrier’ to the border of ‘connectivity’. Accordingly, the article examines the changes in border management cooperation between the two countries, which serves as a vital basis for cross-border development cooperation. Furthermore, the article examines the perceptions of the two countries regarding the development and connectivity of cross-border infrastructure for comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and beyond. At the same time, the article examines how the two countries promote the development and connectivity of cross-border infrastructure, both hard and soft. The article also examined some initial results and some issues facing the two countries. The paper concludes with some findings. In particular, the article concludes that increased border connectivity will encourage cross-border cooperation and integration between the two countries and help to alleviate security concerns. Although the two countries have made efforts to open their borders, in the transition from a border of ‘barriers’ to a border of ‘connectivity’ remain partly to Vietnamese people’s memories of the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese border war, as well as the impact of the two countries’ unresolved South China Sea disputes. However, Vietnam also tries to promote cross-border cooperation within a controllable level.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Connectivity Infrastructure Spending in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province

The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between APBN and APBD expenditures on the achievement of connectivity indicators. Secondary data sources were obtained from the Directorate of Budget Implementation, the Sintesa application, the OMSPAN and OMSPAN TKD applications, the Ministry of PUPR, and the BPS of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province. Data analysis uses the Pearson correlation method and qualitative descriptive. The results of the study indicate that APBN expenditure is negatively and very strongly correlated with the length of national roads. In addition, APBN expenditure is positively and very weakly correlated with the length of national roads in stable condition and has a moderate positive correlation with the percentage of national road stability. APBD expenditure is very weakly correlated with the length of provincial roads and is moderately correlated with the length of provincial roads in stable conditions and the percentage of stability. Regency/City APBD expenditure also has a very weak correlation and is negatively directed to the total length of district/city roads in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province and has a moderate correlation with the length of district/city roads in stable condition and the percentage of stability. APBN expenditure has a positive and very strong correlation with the length of regional roads and is positively and strongly correlated with the length of regional roads in stable conditions. APBN spending also has a moderate correlation with the percentage of regional road stability. Based on the relationship analysis using Pearson correlation, it was found that the total length of the road has a strong correlation and has a positive relationship with the ADHK GRDP. The Bangka Belitung Islands Province has a higher road stability than the national road stability and road stability in the Sumatra Region.

Assessment of Hungarian large cities readiness in adopting electric bike sharing system

This study explores the readiness of eight large Hungarian cities to adopt electric bike sharing systems as a sustainable transportation mode. By assessing 25 indicators related to infrastructure, safety, demographics, legislation, and transportation systems, we comprehensively understand each city's current situation and readiness level. By engaging experts, we derived weighted scores for key indicators to provide a comprehensive analysis of each city's potential. The results reveal varied readiness across cities, offering targeted insights for policymakers to enhance urban mobility sustainably. Our analysis reveals that certain cities, such as Budapest and Gyor, are better prepared for sustainable transportation than others. However, every city has positive and negative aspects that must be considered. Establishing infrastructure for cycling and connectivity to public transportation systems should be prioritized in Hungarian cities. Additionally, safety action plans should be implemented to address road safety concerns. Promoting cycling culture and electric vehicles is also essential to encourage the adoption of sustainable transportation modes. The findings of this research offer valuable insights to policymakers, urban planners, and researchers interested in promoting sustainable mobility.

Urban Green Infrastructure Connectivity: The Role of Private Semi-Natural Areas

Green spaces and blue spaces in cities provide a wealth of benefits to the urban social–ecological system. Unfortunately, urban development fragments natural habitats, reducing connectivity and biodiversity. Urban green–blue infrastructure (UGI) networks can mitigate these effects by providing ecological corridors that enhance habitat connectivity. This study examined UGI connectivity for two indicator species in a rapidly developing city in the southern United States. We mapped and analyzed UGI at a high resolution (0.6 m) across the entire city, with a focus on semi-natural areas in private land and residential neighborhoods. Integrating graph theory and a gravity model, we assessed structural UGI networks and ranked them based on their ability to support functional connectivity. Most of the potential habitat corridors we mapped in this project traversed private lands, including 58% of the priority habitat for the Golden-cheeked Warbler and 69% of the priority habitat for the Rio Grande Wild Turkey. Riparian zones and other areas with dense tree cover were critical linkages in these habitat corridors. Our findings illustrate the important role that private semi-natural areas play in UGI, habitat connectivity, and essential ecosystem services.

Investment attractiveness of the Russian Arctic through the prism of international cooperation and development of transport corridors

The Russian Arctic has numerous resources, infrastructure facilities that are important for international relations, and therefore is potentially very attractive to investors. Nevertheless, there are a number of objective reasons hindering its development, which require international cooperation, investment and updating of the regulatory framework for the process of foreign investments inflow into the region, with an emphasis on its specifics. The purpose of the article is to study the attractiveness and investment potential of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) in the new geopolitical realities, to identify the most promising areas of foreign investments. It is concluded that the Arctic can offer resources and opportunities for development and cooperation. It is open for investment, and the Russian government is trying to implement as many projects as possible, including those in which the BRICS countries participate, that will contribute to the development of this region. One of the key areas of foreign investments application is the zone of development of the transport and logistics potential of the Arctic through transport corridors, which will simultaneously lead to infrastructural connectivity of the entire Eurasian continent and will promote cooperation in the Eurasian arena of the CIS countries.

Challenges and opportunities for the application of digital twins in hard-to-abate industries: a review

The energy-intensive industry, heavily reliant on heat generation processes, faces the critical challenge of drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study reviews the potential of digital twin technology in decarbonizing combustion-dependent manufacturing processes. While primarily focusing on scholarly articles, our analysis may not cover all current industrial practices and digital twin implementations. This paper highlights challenges and opportunities in deploying practical digital twins for industrial furnaces within the Industry 4.0 framework. Digital twins, integrating real-time simulation models with predictive capabilities, aim to enhance industrial furnaces’ design, operation, and maintenance by combining high-fidelity simulations with data-driven modelling techniques. The findings indicate that digital twins can facilitate the transition to furnace electrification and adopting zero-carbon fuels, significantly reducing emissions and optimizing overall furnace performance. However, challenges like model reliability and high upfront investments in IT and connectivity infrastructures limit their widespread adoption. Despite these limitations, ongoing technological advancements predict a rapid expansion of digital twin applications in industrial furnaces, making them indispensable for achieving decarbonization goals in energy-intensive industries.

Connectivity infrastructure and Central Java’s economics performance

Connectivity infrastructure and Central Java’s economics performance

Infrastruktur Konektivitas, Peran Pemerintah, dan Perkembangan Sosial Ekonomi Regional: Bukti dari Kalimantan

The Island of Kalimantan, designated by the Indonesian government as the site for the new capital city, necessitates significant infrastructure improvements to support its economic development. This research evaluates the progress of the connectivity infrastructure in Kalimantan, reviews the role of the government in facilitating this development, and estimates the relationship between infrastructure and the community’s social and economic activities. The study applies descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, comparative studies, and interregional input-output methodology by utilizing various data sources including the central government budget, regional government budget, village potential data, Susenas, and Geographic Information System GIS) data. Our findings reveal increasing budgets from both central and local governments, yet limited improvements in road infrastructure. An increase in the availability of road infrastructure per km² is positively correlated with enhanced trading activities, the provision of shops, improved public transportation, and better access to education and health facilities. In addition, the establishment of airports and ports is linked to higher per capita income and increased service and manufacturing activities, as well as the growth of food stalls, shops, and banking services.

De-risking, re-balancing and recentralising: Intra-state relations in Chinese-backed transport infrastructure projects in Europe

China's Belt and Road Initiative is the most visible manifestation of the country's wider internationalisation efforts in which infrastructure connectivity projects are central. Existing spatialised narratives of these projects have usefully focused on long-standing geopolitical binaries and bilateral state relations, as well as newer spatial ontologies of corridors, zones and networks. Yet they tend to underplay central-local state relations in the countries receiving Chinese infrastructure investment and so this paper examines these intra-state dynamics through three case studies of Chinese-backed transport projects in Germany, Italy and Hungary. Using Jessop, Brenner and Jones' ‘TPSN’ approach we argue that the promise of these infrastructure projects was virtuous insertion of places into global production networks, but in practice we see the central state over-riding local political actors. In Germany and Italy this is in the name of ‘de-risking’ Chinese investments whereby the re-centralisation of state power is a response to a perceived ‘China threat’. In Hungary, the centralised regime uses major infrastructure for legitimatory purposes and uses the growing connectivity to China as an Eastwards balance to its strained relations with Western Europe. We conclude by arguing that greater attentiveness to spatiality and power are needed in future studies of ‘de-risking’.

Construction and optimization of Green Infrastructure Network in mountainous cities: a case study of Fuzhou, China

Green infrastructure networks enhance the protection and improvement of urban ecological environments, augment the efficiency and quality of ecosystem services, and furnish residents with healthier and more comfortable living conditions. Although previous research has investigated the construction or optimization methods of green infrastructure networks, these studies have been relatively isolated and lacking in case studies for mountainous cities. In the development of green infrastructure, mountainous cities must specifically consider the impact of terrain on network construction. Taking Fuzhou, a mountainous city in China, as an example, this study constructs and optimizes the green infrastructure network by employing morphological spatial pattern analysis, connectivity analysis, the Minimum Cumulative Resistance model, and circuit theory. These methodologies increase the connectivity of the Green Infrastructure within the study area, thereby promoting the health of the local ecosystem and creating conducive circumstances for the city’s sustainable development. The findings reveal that: (1) Green infrastructure in Fuzhou takes up 5366.38 ha, constituting 21.76% of the study area, primarily situated in the northwest and south; (2) Fuzhou’s Green Infrastructure network comprises 10 hubs and 17 corridors with a hub area of 1306.98 ha, predominantly distributed in the mountains encircling the city, including Meifeng Mountain, Gaogai Mountain, and Qingliang Mountain; (3) Based on optimization, the circuit centrality index categorizes hub importance into three protection levels, pinpointing nine crucial protected areas in the corridors and 680 areas requiring enhancement, including 68 areas for first-level improvement, 149 areas for second-level improvement, and 463 areas for third-level improvement. This research offers a methodological reference for constructing and optimizing green infrastructure networks in mountainous cities, providing both theoretical and practical foundations for optimizing green infrastructure networks in Fuzhou City.

Spatial response of urban land use intensity to ecological networks: a case study of Xi'an Metropolitan Region, China.

In the face of the persistent degradation of ecological environments and fragmentation of ecological networks brought about by rapid urbanization, this study focuses on examining the interaction between urban land use intensity and ecological networks in the Xi'an Metropolitan Region (XAMR), China, and their impact on ecological equilibrium and sustainable development. By comprehensively evaluating the changes in land use intensity in XAMR from 2010 to 2020, the aim is to underscore the pivotal role of ecological networks in maintaining urban ecological balance and promoting sustainable development. The findings indicate a transition in land use intensity in the XAMR from low to high concentration, reflecting an intensification in land resource utilization during urbanization. However, the establishment and management of ecological networks can significantly enhance urban ecological security and biodiversity. Notably, this research identified crucial ecological corridors and source areas, augmenting the connectivity of urban green infrastructure and providing vital support for urban biodiversity. Additionally, a significant finding of this study is the spatial spillover effects generated by socioeconomic factors such as the proportion of tertiary and secondary industries and per capita GDP through the ecological network, which have profound impacts on land use intensity in the surrounding areas. These insights offer a novel understanding of the complex interactions within urban ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of incorporating ecological network construction in urban planning. Overall, through a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between the ecological network and land use intensity in the XAMR, this study proposes new directions for urban ecosystem management and land use planning, highlighting the significance of scientific ecological network planning and management in achieving long-term sustainable development in urbanization processes.

Strand Inventory Analysis of Post Tension in PT XYZ Using Discrete-Event Simulation Method

The development of connectivity infrastructure, particularly toll roads, is planned to continue expanding and reach 3,500 km by 2030. This signifies a positive outlook for the construction industry. This research conducted to analyse the management of post tension raw materials and determine the optimal policies using the discrete-event simulation method. Simulation scenarios were developed using the Arena application, taking into consideration the demand patterns for post tension work. The validation test results confirmed the capability of the base case model in accurately representing real-world conditions. Scenario development was carried out to influence the strand inventory pattern by incorporating reorder points and adjusting order sizes. Based on the scenario analysis, the most effective approach was found to be setting a reorder point of 3 tons and an order size of 5 tons. The implementation of this analysis successfully reduced the strand inventory by 58.78%. This research enables companies to optimize their inventory, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency. The findings contribute to the development of strategies that support sustainable growth in connectivity infrastructure in Indonesia.

Risks on the Belt and Road in Eurasia: Local Perspectives and Options

ABSTRACT A binary, geopolitical narrative of a new “Great Game” for power in Central Asia may be too simplistic. It remains unclear what regionalisation trends will become embedded in Central Asia, with the apparent rise of China. The paper examines potential for China's Belt and Road Initiative to build new Eurasian economic interdependence through connectivity infrastructure and to reduce dependency for some actors on Russia. A political risk and grounded theory approach is taken, utilising in-depth interviews with local experts and stakeholders to develop a risk/opportunity framework. Conclusions from the research indicate China is unlikely in the foreseeable future to replace Russia as regional hegemon, but is likely to drive greater economic integration. Empirical investigation of dynamics on the ground - including the spectrum of options available to actors - is recommended for realist understanding of economic and other international connectivity trends across Central Asia.

Research on Green Logistics Development in Chengdu-Chongqing Region under the Perspective of Game Theory

Chengdu-Chongqing Twin Cities Economic Circle is an important growth pole for the formation of high-quality development in western China and has a unique and important strategic position in the overall situation of national development. Chengdu-Chongqing two places not only vigorously promote the construction of logistics corridors and infrastructure connectivity, but also promote the logistics of all kinds of factors of production, including reasonable flow and efficient agglomeration, and strive to promote the Chengdu-Chongqing two places to the green logistics, cost reduction and efficiency to make effective exploration. The paper first analyzes the current situation and problems of green logistics construction in the Chengdu-Chongqing area, and then establishes an evolutionary game model between the government, enterprises, and consumers based on the game theory perspective, to try to put forward reasonable suggestions for the development and construction of green logistics in Chengdu-Chongqing area.

Russian-Mongolian Border: Updating Checkpoints and Strengthening Infrastructure Connectivity

Russian-Mongolian Border: Updating Checkpoints and Strengthening Infrastructure Connectivity

A longitudinal comparison of stormwater runoff mechanisms in growing and shrinking regions: Evaluating impervious composition and green infrastructure connectivity changes

Growing and shrinking regions are experiencing increased vulnerability to urban flooding because of climate change. While traditional stormwater runoff mitigation policies, such as regulating total impervious areas (TIA) and enhancing green infrastructure (GI) connectivity, have been widely adopted, their effectiveness remains uncertain in the face of divergent patterns of land use change and population shifts. To address this uncertainty, this research examines the impacts of impervious composition and GI connectivity on runoff within the Chicago-Naperville and Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor combined statistical areas over time, representative growing and shrinking regions in the Midwestern US, respectively. The impervious composition is quantified using TIA and hydraulic connectivity, while GI connectivity is measured using FRAGSTATS. Ordinary least squares and panel data regression models are employed, controlling for socio-demographic, climate, and biophysical variables. The results indicate that regulating both TIA and hydraulic connectivity decreases stormwater runoff. The impact of GI connectivity on runoff depth varies by region. In Chicago, a less linearly connected and more clumped GI configuration decreases runoff depth. Conversely, in Detroit, a less clumped but more linearly connected GI layout is more effective. The findings highlight the importance of developing tailored stormwater runoff management and flood mitigation plans in association with development trends.

An Analytical Investigation of Politico-Economic Effects of Gwadar and Chabahar Ports on Pak-Iran Relations

This paper aims to explore the geostrategic importance and implications of Gwadar and Chabahar ports for the entire region. Drawing upon a multidisciplinary approach, this study integrates political, economic, and geopolitical perspectives to assess the complex dynamics at play. It delves into the historical context of Pak-Iran relations, examining the factors that have shaped their interactions over time. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the geopolitical implications of Gwadar and Chabahar ports in the context of regional power dynamics, considering the interests and interventions of key stakeholders such as China, India, and the United States. Economically, the paper evaluates the potential synergies and competition between Gwadar and Chabahar ports, exploring how their development may impact trade patterns, investment flows, and economic development in both Pakistan and Iran. Additionally, it examines the role of infrastructure connectivity in enhancing regional integration and fostering economic cooperation among neighboring states. Through a critical analysis of existing literature, empirical data, and expert insights, this paper aims to offer valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of Pak-Iran relations in the context of the Gwadar and Chabahar ports. The theory of the struggle for power among regional powers is applied in the paper to identify the political rivalry between China and India and their possible implications for Gwadar and Chabahar ports on Pak-Iran relations. Most importantly, the paper aims to address the questions: what are the policy options for Pakistan and Iran to skip the exploitation of regional and international powers with respect to both ports and avoid disturbance in their bilateral relations?

Risk Management of International Trade in the Context of BRI: A Case study of DF Company in China

The study explores the intricate landscape of global commerce, focusing on the evolving challenges and opportunities in international business. The study centers on DF Company, a prominent Chinese engineering contracting firm, and analyzes its risk management practices in the context of the Belt and Road initiative. The Belt and Road strategy, with its goals of policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, currency circulation, and people-to-people bonds, presents both historical continuity and new opportunities for international trade. The research adopts a qualitative case study design, delving into DF Company's operations through interviews, document analysis, and direct observation. The findings reveal that DF Company faces multifaceted challenges in managing international trade risks, particularly in the areas of political, policy, social, technological, and cultural risks. The paper concludes with comprehensive recommendations for DF Company, emphasizing proactive risk management, political risk mitigation, adaptation to policy changes, addressing social risks, technological capability enhancement, cultural risk management, and safety measures in conflict-prone areas. These recommendations aim to strengthen DF Company's international trade risk management framework within the Belt and Road initiative.

Implementation of the power generation program by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to improve the economy in Bangladesh

This article examines the effectiveness of programs carried out by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in encouraging economic investment and infrastructure connectivity in Asia. Specifically, the author will analyze AIIB assistance in Bangladesh in the electrical energy sector. AIIB is a multinational development bank initiated by China to encourage infrastructure in Asia. In terms of long-term funding for infrastructure sub-projects such as sub-projects in the areas of power production, ICT, cross-regional transportation, etc., AIIB has emerged as one of the most important development partners for Bangladesh. This paper aims to answer how effective the implementation of the electricity sector program by AIIB is in improving the economy in Bangladesh. To examine this topic, the author refers to Development theory and the concept of Global Governance. The results of the author's analysis show that most of the assistance provided by AIIB in Bangladesh focuses on the electrical energy sector, this is a response to the electricity crisis which is hampering the Bangladesh economy. The results of implementing the program are considered quite effective because it succeeded in distributing electricity evenly in villages and encouraging development renewable and low-carbon electrical energy infrastructure. However, this program can also be considered less effective because it has not been able to encourage Bangladesh to maximize its own natural resources to guarantee its electricity supply due to the low share of the renewable energy market in Bangladesh's electricity.