Regional Development Research Articles

Review of penetration and impact of utility solar installation in developing countries: policy and challenges

This review examines the penetration and impact of utility-scale solar installations in developing countries, focusing on the policy landscape and challenges associated with their adoption. Solar energy has emerged as a vital component of the global shift towards renewable energy, offering substantial potential for alleviating energy poverty and fostering sustainable development in regions with abundant solar resources. Despite these opportunities, the penetration of utility-scale solar in developing countries faces several barriers. These include financial constraints, inconsistent policy frameworks, technological challenges, and social acceptance issues. This review explores the current status of solar energy adoption, highlighting regional trends and key countries such as Kenya, India, and South Africa, which have made significant strides in solar deployment. It assesses the economic, social, and environmental impacts of utility solar projects, emphasizing their role in job creation, electrification, and climate change mitigation. However, challenges such as high initial costs, limited access to financing, weak grid infrastructure, and regulatory bottlenecks continue to impede broader adoption. Policy and regulatory support are critical to overcoming these challenges. This review outlines the national and international frameworks that influence solar energy penetration, as well as the incentives, subsidies, and financing mechanisms available. Recommendations include streamlining regulatory processes, improving access to finance through innovative models, and enhancing grid infrastructure. Finally, the review discusses future trends, including advancements in solar technology, energy storage, and smart grid integration, which could accelerate the growth of solar installations in developing countries. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that address policy, financial, and social challenges to fully realize the potential of solar energy in these regions.

Wings of progress: The economic and social impacts of low-cost carriers in the Philippines

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have become a significant force in the Philippine aviation industry, providing affordable air travel and contributing to regional economic and social development. However, the full extent of their economic, social, environmental, and infrastructural impacts has not been comprehensively studied. This study aims to evaluate the economic and social implications of LCCs in the Philippines, focusing on tourism growth, job creation, business development, and the accessibility and mobility of the population. The study also explores environmental challenges and infrastructural strains caused by the expansion of LCC operations. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating quantitative data analysis of tourism statistics, employment rates, business growth, and regional economic output. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and surveys with stakeholders, including passengers, local businesses, government officials, and environmental agencies. Statistical tools such as regression analysis and chi-square tests were used to determine significance levels in the findings. The results demonstrate that LCCs have contributed significantly to regional economic growth, with a 25% increase in tourist arrivals and a 30% rise in tourism revenue. Social impacts include enhanced travel accessibility, increased cultural exchange, and improved quality of life. However, environmental challenges, such as a 15% increase in carbon emissions, highlight the need for sustainable practices. The study recommends further investment in airport infrastructure, implementation of sustainable aviation practices, and ongoing government support for regional tourism. Future studies should focus on long-term environmental impacts and strategies for reducing carbon footprints.

An Empirical Study on the Digital Economy, Fiscal Policy, and Regional Sustainable Development—Based on Data from Less Developed Regions in China

Reducing inequality within and between countries and enhancing social welfare are important components of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Based on the experience of developed countries or regions, the digital economy and fiscal policy are effective ways of promoting inclusive regional economic growth. Fully considering the completeness and availability of the data, we select the data of China’s less developed regions from 2001 to 2011 for empirical testing. This study empirically examined the effect of the digital economy on regional sustainable development and the underlying mechanism, taking an analysis of the regulatory effect of fiscal policy into account. The results show the following: (1) The digital economy and regional sustainable development exhibit an inverted “U” curve relationship. In the early stage of development, relying on its own economies of scale, the digital economy releases the “digital dividend”, positively affecting the sustainable development of the regional economy; in the later stage, the “digital divide” has a positive impact on the development of the regional economy. The inhibitory effect of the “digital divide” is greater than the enhancement effect of the “digital dividend”, negatively affecting the sustainable development of regional economies. (2) There is regional heterogeneity in the mechanism of the effect of the digital economy on regional sustainable development. The digital economy affects the level of regional sustainable development through the two paths of “comprehensive prosperity” and “holistic well-being”. For the samples in the eastern and western regions, the digital economy plays the role of promoting and then inhibiting, while for the samples in the central region, it plays the role of inhibiting and then promoting. (3) Fiscal policy negatively regulates the effect of the digital economy on regional sustainable development, but the regulatory effect is not significant.

Identification of Land Use Conflict Based on Multi-Scenario Simulation—Taking the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration as an Example

Land use conflict is an inevitable and objective phenomenon during regional development, with significant impacts on both regional economic growth and ecological security. Scientifically assessing the spatiotemporal evolution of these conflicts is essential to optimize land use structures and promote sustainable resource utilization. This study employs multi-period land use/land cover remote sensing data from China to develop a model for the measurement of land use conflict from the perspective of the landscape ecological risk. By applying the optimal landscape scale method to determine the most appropriate analysis scale, this research investigates the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of land use conflicts in the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration from 2000 to 2020. Furthermore, by integrating the Patch-Generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model with the Multi-Objective Programming (MOP) algorithm, this study simulates the spatial patterns of land use conflict in 2030 under four scenarios: Natural Development (ID), Economic Development (ED), Ecological Conservation (PD), and Sustainable Development (SD). The findings reveal that, from 2000 to 2020, the proportion of areas with strong and moderately strong conflict levels in the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration increased by 2.19%, while the proportion of areas with weak and moderately weak conflict levels decreased by 1.45%, underscoring the growing severity of land use conflict. The predictions for 2030 suggest that the spatial pattern of conflict under various scenarios will largely reflect the trends observed in 2020. Under the ID scenario, areas with weak and moderately weak conflict levels constitute 57.5% of the region; this increases by 0.85% under the SD scenario. Conversely, areas experiencing strong and moderately strong conflict levels, which stand at 33.02% under the ID scenario, decrease by 1.04% under the SD scenario. These projections indicate that the SD scenario, which aims to balance ecological conservation with economic development, effectively mitigates land use conflict, making it the most viable strategy for future regional development.

Handling security and terrorism issues in developing the tourism sector through ecotourism policies on small islands in Makassar City, Indonesia

One of Indonesia’s main characteristics of tourism development is maritime tourism, which is synonymous with archipelagic countries. The diversity of maritime tourism offered by Indonesia will never end, so it needs to be considered more carefully and used relevantly to create sustainable tourism in Indonesia that provides broad benefits for the country. Many maritime tourism locations in Indonesia are beautiful but require more active promotion. The level of security and terrorism issues are a requirement that the government must consider. The novelty of this research describes the potential ecotourism development in the town of Makassar that stakeholders should consider in the formation of tourism policy. The research locations are in Makassar City, Samalona Island, Langkai Island, and Lanjukang Island. Ecotourism developed in the coastal areas of Makassar City, especially in Samalona, Lanjukang, and Langkai Islands, produces superior objects that collaborate elements of nature and society as the main attraction in the long term. Therefore, local governments need to strengthen monitoring of regional geopolitical developments in order to avoid security and terrorism problems that might cause inconvenience to tourists.

Forecasting Gate-Front Water Levels Using a Coupled GRU–TCN–Transformer Model and Permutation Entropy Algorithm

Water level forecasting has significant impacts on transportation, agriculture, and flood control measures. Accurate water level values can enhance the safety and efficiency of water conservancy hub operation scheduling, reduce flood risks, and are essential for ensuring sustainable regional development. Addressing the nonlinearity and non-stationarity characteristics of gate-front water level sequences, this paper introduces a gate-front water level forecasting method based on a GRU–TCN–Transformer coupled model and permutation entropy (PE) algorithm. Firstly, an analysis method combining Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) and Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) is used to separate the original water level data into different frequency modal components. The PE algorithm subsequently divides each modal component into sequences of high and low frequencies. The GRU model is applied to predict the high-frequency sequence part, while the TCN–Transformer combination model is used for the low-frequency sequence part. The forecasting from both models are combined to obtain the final water level forecasting value. Multiple evaluation metrics are used to assess the forecasting performance. The findings indicate that the combined GRU–TCN–Transformer model achieves a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.0154, a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.0205, and a Coefficient of Determination (R2) of 0.8076. These metrics indicate that the model outperforms machine learning Support Vector Machine (SVM) models, GRU models, Transformer models, and TCN–Transformer combination models in forecasting performance. The forecasting results have high credibility. This model provides a new reference for improving the accuracy of gate-front water level forecasting and offers significant insights for water resource management and flood prevention, demonstrating promising application prospects.

Cluster approach in the design of spatial development of the region

The rationale for the cluster approach in the formation of a policy for spatial development of a territory is presented using the example of the Samara region. The advantages of the cluster approach for designing the spatial development of the Samara region are determined. The role of the construction cluster in the spatial development of the region is substantiated, the main advantages and problems in the development of the construction cluster are named. One of the significant problems identified is the personnel shortage in the construction industry, to solve which it is proposed to use a cluster approach in the spatial development of the Samara region and the formation of a regional policy for the development of human resources in the construction industry, which will help retain and attract labor resources to the region.

An empirical study on smart city construction to enhance residents' participation in physical activity.

Smart city construction, as a new model of urban development, has become a crucial means to encourage residents' participation in physical exercise. However, there is still a lack of systematic exploration regarding the mechanisms by which smart city construction specifically affects residents' engagement in physical activity. This paper analyzes the impact of smart city construction on residents' participation in physical activity using a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model, based on data from the 2010 to 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Data processing involved removing missing values, addressing outliers, and introducing control variables at the individual, household, and city levels. The study found that smart city construction significantly promotes residents' participation in physical activity. Smart city policies have a notable positive effect on this participation, and there are significant differences in the responses of various resident groups to physical activity engagement. The results of the mediation analysis indicate that the built environment, information access channels, and enjoyment of consumption play significant mediating roles between smart city policies and residents' participation in physical activity. Smart city construction influences residents' participation in physical activity both directly or indirectly by enhancing urban infrastructure, expanding access to information, and fostering enjoyable consumption experiences. In the future, smart city initiatives should prioritize the equitable distribution of resources, strengthen infrastructure development in rural and western regions, and further enhance the national fitness level.

Microfacies Characteristics of Late Pennsylvanian Cyclothems on the Carbonate Platform Margin in Guizhou, South China

Late Pennsylvanian cyclothems are documented from the carbonate platform margin in Guizhou, South China, providing a unique opportunity to study glacio-eustatic fluctuations and their impact on reef development. This paper focuses on a shallow-water, reef-bearing succession and a deep-water succession in the Houchang area of Guizhou. Fourteen microfacies, grouped into seven associations, represent distinct depositional environments. These microfacies associations exhibit vertical cyclicity, interpreted as cyclothems, similar to those observed globally, which are attributed to the waxing and waning of the Gondwana ice sheet. The cyclothems are primarily composed of sediments below the wave base within a shallow-water platform margin and deep-water settings. Those cyclothems show strong correlations with those observed in South China, Ukraine, and the North American Midcontinent, suggesting a potential connection to global glacio-eustatic processes. A brief and rapid sea-level rise during the late Kasimovian may correspond to a recently recognized global warming event. A microfacies analysis indicates that these cyclothems reflect glacial-type sea-level fluctuations ranging from 15 to 35 m. Notably, the reef-bearing cyclothems correspond to intermediate, major cyclothems identified in South China and the Midcontinent from the late Moscovian to early Kasimovian stages. The global cyclothem correlations and reef development patterns in South China suggest that intermediate, major cycles were the primary controls on reef growth and demise, while minor cycles influenced biostromes and community succession within the reefs. These findings underscore the pivotal role of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA) in shaping reef development in far-field regions during the Late Pennsylvanian.

Airports and regional development: the expansion of the Norwegian air network, 1950–2019

Abstract This article studies how airports affect regional growth in population and employment, considering heterogeneity in the circumstances of an airport’s opening. We use synthetic controls with staggered adoption and data on the whole airport system in Norway for 1950–2019. We find positive overall effects of airports on population and employment growth. Addressing heterogeneity, we find relatively strong effects of airports opened in the 1950s, more distant from other airports, with longer runways, or with links to major cities. We also find stronger growth if an airport is opened in a region with a university, college, or hospital.

Development of Semi-Mountainous and Mountainous Areas: Design of Trail Paths, Optimal Spatial Distribution of Trail Facilities, and Trail Ranking via MCDM-VIKOR Method

This study proposes a sustainable ecotourism framework for the development of semi-mountain and mountain regions of Paiko in Greece, focusing on the strategic design and ranking of trail paths using the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) VIKOR method. Aiming to balance environmental conservation with economic benefits, we designed 19 trails paths and allocated signage for resting and recreation facilities. The trail paths were assessed based on criteria such as length, difficulty, scenic appeal, and accessibility. This approach identified key trails that combine scenic beauty with infrastructure suitable for a broad range of visitors, thereby enhancing sustainable tourism appeal. Stakeholder engagement was integral to shaping the trail network, ensuring that the selected paths reflect local values and priorities. This study highlights how the VIKOR method can optimize resource allocation by ranking trails according to their environmental and visitor-centered attributes, supporting regional economic growth through ecotourism. This framework offers a replicable model for other mountainous regions seeking to harness ecotourism’s potential while preserving natural ecosystems. The findings demonstrate the capacity of well-planned trail networks to attract nature-based tourism, stimulate local economies, and respond to the rising post-pandemic interest in outdoor recreation, while promoting long-term conservation efforts. This approach offers a replicable model for the sustainable development of mountainous and semi-mountainous areas in Greece and beyond.

Gene-environment interactions in the influence of maternal education on adolescent neurodevelopment using ABCD study.

Maternal education was strongly correlated with adolescent brain morphology, cognitive performances, and mental health. However, the molecular basis for the effects of maternal education on the structural neurodevelopment remains unknown. Here, we conducted gene-environment-wide interaction study using the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development cohort. Seven genomic loci with significant gene-environment interactions (G×E) on regional gray matter volumes were identified, with enriched biological functions related to metabolic process, inflammatory process, and synaptic plasticity. Additionally, genetic overlapping results with behavioral and disease-related phenotypes indicated shared biological mechanism between maternal education modified neurodevelopment and related behavioral traits. Finally, by decomposing the multidimensional components of maternal education, we found that socioeconomic status, rather than family environment, played a more important role in modifying the genetic effects on neurodevelopment. In summary, our study provided analytical evidence for G×E effects regarding adolescent neurodevelopment and explored potential biological mechanisms as well as social mechanisms through which maternal education could modify the genetic effects on regional brain development.

THE STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT AT THE BORDER PORTS BETWEEN MONGOLIA AND CHINA

Effective management of border port road transport is crucial for enhancing trade and economic potential at border ports and free zones. This involves long-term, medium-term, and short-term planning, as well as the implementation of integrated development policies to ensure sustainable and accessible improvements. By connecting border ports with railways and paved roads, enhancing transport and logistics competitiveness, optimizing cargo flow, and laying the groundwork for future transit capabilities, economic relations and cooperation between Mongolia and China can flourish, fostering the sustainable development of both nations. To boost trade turnover and establish free economic zones and road ports, it is imperative to enhance the management of border port road transport in alignment with Mongolia's regional development strategy. Currently, the concentration of the economy on only four ports leads to goods shortages, price hikes, and hindered business operations. Therefore, enhancing the type, quality, and availability of road transport services at border ports is essential to increase the throughput capacity of these crucial transportation hubs.

Workers, Workplaces, Sorting, and Wage Dispersion in Mexico

Between 2004 and 2018, the spread of wages in Mexico’s private labor sector remained stable. Nonetheless, the underlying factors behind salary dispersion underwent significant shifts nationally and regionally. We analyze a matched employer-employee dataset comprising the near-universe of Mexico’s formal workforce. We estimate log wage models with worker and workplace fixed effects capturing over 94% of wage variation. We then decompose national and regional earnings dispersions into worker, workplace and assortative matching components. At the national level, we find that sorting increased its importance over time, from explaining 16% of total wage variance to 19% by the end of the period. Worker- and workplace-specific factors contributed between 37% to 44% and 33% to 37% to the total spread of remunerations, respectively. Workplace factors became increasingly important during the 2014–2018 time segment, to the point that their contribution to total wage variance is equivalent to that of worker factors. The influence of workplace factors on wage dispersion correlates negatively with regional economic development: It is lowest in the North, Mexico’s most-developed region, and largest in the South, the country’s least-prosperous region. JEL Classification Codes: J21; J31; R23; O15; O54

TRANSPORTE AQUAVIÁRIO: AVALIAÇÃO DE UMA NOVA ALTERNATIVA DE MOBILIDADE INTERURBANA PALMAS-TO/PORTO NACIONAL-TO

Waterway transportation between Palmas and Porto Nacional on the Tocantins River is a promising alternative to foster regional development. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a waterway transportation system connecting these two cities, highlighting benefits such as reduced dependence on road transportation, logistical efficiency, economic development, and tourism potential. The research employed a quantitative approach through questionnaires administered to residents of both cities to capture perceptions of current mobility and acceptance of the new mode. Results indicate a strong public acceptance of waterway transportation (78.4%) and a perception that the accessibility, mobility, and infrastructure of the current road transport system are limited, underscoring the positive potential impact of implementing a waterway system.

Research on the Relationship between Education Service Equalization and Regional Economic Development

This study delves into the correlation between education service equalization and regional economic development by examining the theories of public goods, educational equity, and regional economic development. It uncovers the theoretical foundations and the current practice in China. The research indicates that the equalization of education services significantly impacts regional economic development, with these effects showing regional variability. Through both theoretical and empirical analyses, the equalization of education services has proven pivotal in enhancing labor quality, accelerating talent mobility, strengthening regional innovation capability, and optimizing economic structures. While China has achieved certain accomplishments in advancing the equalization of education services, the issue of uneven distribution of educational resources among regions remains prominent. In light of this, governments should formulate differentiated education policies based on regional characteristics and strengthen inter-regional educational cooperation and exchanges, aiming to promote coordinated regional economic development through balanced educational advancement.

The Impact of Carbon Emissions Trading Policy on Regional Economy and Pollution Reductions in Chinese Provinces

Carbon emissions trading policy is an important tool to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. In order to explore the effectiveness of carbon emissions trading policy, this paper adopts the difference-in-differences model to analyze the effects of China’s pilot policy on regional economic development and pollution reductions. The results show that carbon trading policy can significantly promote economic development and reduce total carbon emissions, industrial SO2 emissions and solid wastes production of pilot regions. Further research finds that there is significant regional difference in policy effectiveness, with the policy more effective in western areas. In addition to direct effects, carbon trading policy could exert an indirect effect on carbon emissions, air quality, industrial solid wastes and regional economic development by optimizing energy consumption structures and industrial structures and increasing technological investment. This result verifies the “Porter hypothesis”. China should improve the construction of national carbon trading markets, covering more industries, considering the regional differences and negative spillover effect.

Leave or stay? The determinants of the migration behavior of university graduates in Shanghai

ABSTRACT Millions of university graduates in China either stay in the cities where they go to universities (for their bachelor’s degree) or migrate to other areas each year. What factors determine their destination choice? This paper investigates migration patterns of university graduates from Shanghai among the university city, hometown, and other cities, and the roles of general factors and special Chinese factors such as hukou in graduate mobility. The main findings are as follows. First, key factors that attract graduates to stay in the university city, return to their hometown, or go to other cities are different and one factor may not have the same impact. Second, there are specific spatial patterns of migration from different types of hometowns to three destination types, as different types of hometowns offer different life experiences as well as opportunities in the spatial administrative system. There is a strong preference for Chinese graduates to move up the urban hierarchy to bigger cities than their hometowns. Third, the impacts of some general factors such as housing price, social capital, and human capital are similar to those of Western countries. The impacts of hukou vary. Although graduates have local hukou in their hometowns, most graduates from big cities, towns, and villages prefer not to return to their hometowns. Only graduates from small and medium-sized cities consider returning to their hometowns. But if graduates go to other cities, they do consider hukou factor. Our research has significant implications for urban and regional development and talent policies in China.

Determinants of District/City Income Disparity in Bali Province

In regional scale of Bali Province infected symptom disparity marked income​ with Still concentrated development of the South Bali region compared to other parts of Bali. The goal study This For identify disparity income districts / cities in Bali Province 2018-2023 and analyze influence growth economy, power work, level education, allocation funds, and capital expenditures on disparity income district / city Bali Province is good in a way simultaneous and also partial. Research This use method quantitative and using secondary data obtained​ from the Central Bureau of Statistics. Data analysis techniques using Williamson index and Klassen typology as analysis disparity and continued with multiple linear regression For analyze influence growth economy, power work, level education, allocation funds, and capital expenditures on disparity income. Research results show growth economy, power work, level education, allocation funds, and capital expenditures simultaneous influential and significant to disparity income. Furthermore, growth economy, level education, allocation funds, and capital expenditures partial influential negative and significant to disparity income. Meanwhile, energy Work in a way partial influential positive and significant to disparity income. Research suggestions among other things to do equalization development for poor and depressed areas decrease, increase transportation common connecting​ all areas, development infrastructure and creation field work, availability help education and also scholarship to college tall and also postgraduate, government center still provide allocation funds especially to poor and depressed areas , and maximize potential area so that investors can invest.

Empowering Forestry Management and Farmers’ Income Growth Through the Digital Economy—Empirical Evidence from Guizhou Province, China

Facilitating the sustained and stable growth of farmers’ income is crucial for achieving sustainable development in forest regions. As an emerging driving force, the digital economy has demonstrated substantial potential in enhancing farmers’ income and promoting regional economic prosperity in forest areas. Based on survey data from 1043 households across 10 counties in Guizhou Province, China, this study empirically examined the direct and indirect effects of digital economy participation on income growth among farmers in forest regions. The findings revealed that, first, participation in the digital economy significantly contributed to income growth for these households. This effect remained robust across various estimation methods, restricted sample tests, and when replacing dependent variables. Second, forestry management and its diversification played a mediating role in the relationship between digital economy participation and farmers’ income. Participation in the digital economy indirectly influenced income growth by fostering forestry management activities and their diversification. Third, the heterogeneity analysis indicated that digital economy participation had a significant positive impact on the income growth of pure farming households, part-time farming households, and households that had previously escaped poverty. This discovery underscored the unique role of the digital economy in alleviating poverty and preventing its recurrence. The conclusions of this study provide essential theoretical and practical guidance for empowering forestry development through the digital economy and advancing the digital transformation of the forestry industry. More critically, this research presents a novel pathway for the deep integration of the digital economy with forestry, jointly fostering income growth for farmers in forest regions, which holds significant implications for achieving rural sustainable development.