Regional Economy Research Articles

A Binary Logistic Regression Model to Identify Key Aspects that Enhance Global Hub Airports Status

This paper provides a tool to identify key aspects for an airport to achieve global hub status for a given airline and determines whether these factors are related to the facility's infrastructure, its region, or both. Despite the frequent use of the term ‘hub’, there is little academic consensus on its exact definition in air transport. Many define a hub based on passenger numbers rather than the concentration of flights and passengers from the main carrier. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the factors influencing the definition of a hub and the commonalities among global hubs. Data from 300 major airports, including internal variables (runways, terminals, gates and area) and external variables (economy, population, attractiveness), were collected. A Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) model identified key aspects influencing hub status, with the assistance of an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) that grouped the variables into factors. The binary ‘hub’ variable was defined by the main carrier's activity and the Global Airport Connectivity Index (GACI). The factor with the highest coefficient primarily involved internal variables and, to a lesser extent, global attractiveness and population. The factor with the lowest coefficient related to the region economy. The BLR correctly identified hub status in 93.3% of cases, with 68.3% accuracy for hub airports. Airports not correctly identified by the model mostly present a lack or underutilization of existing infrastructure.

Analysis of the influence of tourism promotion through influencers on increasing brand awareness of Kwala Serapuh village tourism destinations, Langkat

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of tourism promotion through influencers on increasing brand awareness of Kwala Serapuh Village Tourism Destinations, Langkat. Tourism has become one of the important sectors in the regional economy. Kwala Serapuh Village in Langkat has great potential in tourism development. However, the brand awareness of this village tourism destination needs to be improved. The use of influencers in tourism promotion has become a trend, but there have not been many studies examining their influence on tourist destination brand awareness. This study is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the effect of using influencers in tourism promotion on tourist destination brand awareness. The sample in this study was 50 respondents. The method used is SmartPLS analysis. The results showed that based on the direct effect test, Tourism Promotion has a significant positive effect on Tourism Destination Influencers. Tourism Promotion has a significant positive effect on Increasing Brand Awareness of Tourist Destinations. Influencers have no positive and insignificant effect on increasing brand awareness of tourist destinations. While the results of the indirect effect test, Tourism Promotion has no positive and insignificant effect on Increasing Brand Awareness through Tourism Destination Influencers.

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.

Promoting or Inhibiting? Influence of Railway Container Transportation on Regional Economic Development

Promoting or Inhibiting? Influence of Railway Container Transportation on Regional Economic Development

Global and Regional Economic Burden of Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review and Critique of Methods.

This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine up-to-date evidence on the economic burden of eating disorders (EDs), both globally and by region. A comprehensive search within five electronic databases, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EconLit, retrieved studies published from August 1, 2013, to June 30, 2024. Cost of illness (COI) studies, burden of disease, and other cost studies that reported costs in monetary values were included, and cost-effectiveness analysis studies were excluded. The quality of COI studies was assessed using Schnitzler's checklist. All cost estimates were converted into 2024 USD purchasing power parity (PPP). The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42022358136. Twenty-six studies were identified for inclusion in this review, with 11 COI studies. The nationwide annual financial cost of EDs is estimated at PPP-USD 70.5 billion. Indirect costs contributed 70%-93% of total financial costs in the reviewed studies. Intangible costs (burden of disease) were estimated to be PPP-USD 355.6 billion. About half of the COI studies met 60% of the elements of Schnitzler's checklist, either completely or partly. The number of COI studies has more than doubled in the last 10 years. Findings can inform healthcare administrators/policymakers to understand the magnitude of this burden when setting healthcare priorities and allocating resources to maximize social welfare. However, there are variations in the methods (thus quality) and perspectives used to assess this economic burden. Findings suggest that there is potential for enhancing the methodological rigor of future research.

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.

State-led Maritime Governance, Education and Training Nexus in South Africa

The maritime environment has a significant socio-economic impact on nations, regional and global economies. However, it also experiences many challenges related to safety, security, Education and Training (E & T) which stakeholders such as businesses and government through State institutions play a crucial role in addressing. In addition to high global labour demands, E & T challenges have related to the decreasing number of youth taking up maritime E & T. In addition, technological advancements affect costs, standards, and quality of maritime ET. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) has not been immune to these challenges. Public higher E & T institutions in RSA are the primary providers of tertiary maritime E & T but remain confronted by numerous challenges tied to organisational resources, State funding and the growing demand for increased internal and external capacity. This study’s objective was to examine maritime State-led interventions and challenges in selected public higher E & T institutions offering maritime studies in the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), RSA. Guided by a Systems Thinking approach, this empirical study adopted a qualitative research methodology utilizing interviews with key knowledge holders and secondary data. It was found that there exists a consensual view that higher E & T institutions offering maritime studies in the province are well positioned to play a more meaningful role in addressing the country’s high unemployment rate. However, the current conditions in maritime E & T have undermined this and resulted in the pursuit of international partnerships to address local deficiencies. These findings are significant to stakeholders involved in maritime higher E & T, State-led maritime interventions, policymaking, governance, management, leadership and administration. The findings of the study also point to the need for a holistic understanding of maritime issues and challenges as maritime E & T is a complex global social space. This could eventually facilitate innovation, enhance leadership and contribute to meaningful and crucial partnerships between developed and more developing nations.

The Impact of Regional Infrastructure Sector Investment on Economic Growth and Regional Inequality in East Kalimantan Province, 2012–2023

The study explores the impact of regional infrastructure investment on economic growth and regional inequality in East Kalimantan Province from 2012 to 2023. Motivated by the ongoing development disparities in Indonesia, especially outside Java and Sumatra, this research examines how infrastructure spending—particularly in public works, housing, and transportation—affects East Kalimantan’s economic growth and regional inequality. Using a quantitative methodology, the analysis leverages secondary data obtained from local government agencies. The research employs SPSS 23 for path analysis to evaluate relationships among variables, focusing on East Kalimantan’s fiscal allocations and their impacts on economic dynamics. The results indicate mixed impacts across sectors: while housing and transportation investments significantly promote economic growth, public works spending shows no significant effect.

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.

Empirical Study on the Impact of New-Quality Productivity on Regional Economic Development in China

New-quality productivity (NQP) reflects the modernization of productivity, characterized by higher technological levels, better quality, and greater efficiency and sustainability. Against the backdrop of technological innovation, NQP plays an increasingly significant role in economic development. Sustained growth of NQP is key to maintaining stable and rapid economic progress. This paper adopts the new-quality productivity index developed by scholar Lu Jiang, Guo Ziang and Wang Yuping, which comprises three dimensions, including innovation capacity, technological research and development, and production efficiency. By using this index, an OLS regression analysis is conducted on the economic development levels of various regions. Through regression analysis, the paper examines the impact of these indicators on regional economic development and provides relevant policy recommendations. The results show with a higher new-quality productivity index tend to have a higher level of economic development. Theoretically, this result further illustrates that new-quality productivity enhances production efficiency through technological innovation and resource optimization, thereby driving economic growth. New-quality productivity not only transcends the traditional factor-driven growth model but also injects stronger innovative momentum and potential for sustainable development into regional economies. On a practical level, improving the level of new-quality productivity can effectively promote the rational allocation of resources, accelerate industrial structure upgrades, and significantly enhance the affluence and vitality of regional economies.

Economic impact of innovative entrepreneurship education: Dynamic modelling methods

AbstractThis paper aims to explore the economic impact of innovative entrepreneurship education and proposes a dynamic modelling method to quantify this impact. The paper establishes a theoretical analysis framework, starting from the effects of innovative entrepreneurship education on the regional economy, and establishes a corresponding dynamic economic model. This model comprises processes such as variable definition, relationship establishment, parameter setting and architecture construction. Different levels of education and forms of innovative entrepreneurship education were experimentally analysed from multiple perspectives. In the comparative experiment between innovative entrepreneurship education and traditional education, the entrepreneurial intention score of the innovative entrepreneurship education group was scattered in the range of 90–100, higher than the 60–80 score of the traditional education group. In the experimental survey on investment return rates of different forms of innovative entrepreneurship education, it was found that the investment return rate of education was the lowest, only 6.82%, and the return rate of entrepreneurship competition was the highest, reaching 9.19%. The experimental results have proven a positive correlation between innovative entrepreneurship education and economic growth. It is suggested that the government and enterprises should increase their investment in innovative entrepreneurship education to promote sustainable economic development.

Time–space control: explaining subnational variation in Thailand’s guestwork regimes

Abstract How do states control labor migration? Furthering global trends, nation states increasingly seek to include foreigners in labor markets while excluding them from settling. Yet, dominant theories maintain a limited conception of migration control as primarily immigrant restriction, especially in the global North. Thailand offers a paradigmatic case for understanding labor migration control and the dual goal of inclusion–exclusion it entails. While migrants generally face rigid limits on their immigration status, the Thai state shows internal variation in how it manages their inclusion as workers: in some places, authorities more strictly regulate time limits of documents, while in others, they focus on control of boundaries around migrant spatial access. Drawing from ethnographic fieldwork in two sites, this article examines this regulatory variation to inform a more general understanding of guestwork control in global context. Comparing two subnational regimes, I show that the state must respond to multiple forces from above and below when controlling labor migration, requiring subnational regulatory differences, and fostering contrasting means of labor reproduction. Findings suggest that differential subnational incorporation into regional and global economies can shape differences in the time–space control of migrant workers and the conditions of noncitizenship that come with it.

Assessing the Spatial Distribution of Carbon Emissions and Influencing Factors in the Yellow River Basin

The spatial distribution and trend of carbon emissions in the Yellow River Basin—an important ecological barrier and economic belt in China—directly affect the stability of the ecosystem and the sustainable development of the regional economy. Based on the data for carbon emissions in China’s counties from 1997 to 2017, this paper utilizes standard deviation ellipses, Theil index nested decomposition, and geographic detector models to make a comprehensive description of the spatial and temporal distribution and dynamic evolution characteristics of carbon emissions in the Yellow River Basin. Factors influencing carbon emissions are also analyzed from multiple dimensions. According to the findings, (1) carbon emissions at the county level show a clear upward trend without reaching a peak, exhibiting a spatial distribution of higher emissions in the east and lower in the west and higher in the south and lower in the north, with the mid-lower reaches being the center. The junction of the Shandong, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces further exhibits a significant expansion, forming two core areas of carbon emissions. (2) Carbon emissions at the county level in the Yellow River Basin are influenced by both economic and geographic factors, exhibiting a significant high carbon spillover effect and a low carbon lock-in effect. The gravity center of the distribution has shifted towards the mid-lower reaches, with the upper reaches displaying dispersion tendencies. (3) Intra-regional disparities are the main source of the overall spatial differences in carbon emissions, with the largest disparities being observed in the upper reaches, followed by the middle reaches, and the smallest disparities being observed in the lower reaches. Further analysis shows that the level of economic development is the primary factor influencing the spatial variation of carbon emissions, and the combined effects of population size and industrial agglomeration are the key drivers of the annual growth in carbon emissions.

Study on the Path of Synergistic Utilization of Foreign Investment in Chengdu-Chongqing Region in the Context of Domestic and International Two Circles of Economic Activity

Under the new development pattern of domestic and international two circles of economic activity, it is of great significance for Chengdu-Chongqing region to utilize foreign investment in a coordinated manner. This study focuses on the opportunities and paths for the coordinated utilization of foreign investment in the Chengdu-Chongqing region in this context, and based on this, it provides the corresponding policy recommendations to help Chengdu-Chongqing region to better exert its own advantages, actively attract foreign investment, promote the high-quality development of the regional economy and synergistic advancement, and contribute to the steady growth of the national economy and the improvement of the international competitiveness. This will contribute to the stable growth of the national economy and the improvement of international competitiveness.

Research on Vocational Regional to Development by Vocational Education

Zhejiang province of China has a large economic aggregate, optimized industrial structure, balanced regional development pattern, transformation and upgrading of industrial layout, along with excellent business environment and urban-rural integrated development. For decades, through the training of technical talents which directly meets the needs of regional economic development; deepens the cooperation between schools and enterprises, provides skilled personnel support for economic and social development, and promotes regional cooperation and foreign cooperation. Taking Zhejiang Province as an example, this paper discusses how vocational education promotes the regional economy, and analyzes the existing problems and future prospects.

Formation of a Generalized System of Indicators of Regional Economic Security

Formation of a Generalized System of Indicators of Regional Economic Security

The allocation and fairness of hospital pharmacist human resources in China: a time-series study

BackgroundTo address the rational use of medicines in healthcare institutions, the Chinese government enacted legislation for pharmacists in 2021, emphasizing the importance of pharmacists in medical services. The allocation and equity of pharmacist human resources in healthcare institutions directly affect people’s accessibility to pharmaceutical services. The study aims to analyze the supply and demand of pharmacist human resources in Chinese healthcare institutions and evaluate the equity of their distribution to provide a reference for the rational management of pharmacist resources.MethodsThis was a time-series study that was conducted using data obtained from Health and Health Statistical Yearbook that is performed every year by the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China. The study included 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions and 34,354 medical institutions in mainland China, which were classified into different economic regions based on their level of economic development. The study collected healthcare technicians and pharmacist data from national healthcare institutions between 2016 and 2020. The study evaluated the level of pharmacist human resource allocation using the health resource density index. The study explored the equity of pharmacist human resource allocation from two aspects: population and geographic area, using the Gini coefficient and Theil index.ResultsThe average annual growth rates of healthcare technical staff and pharmacists in Chinese medical institutions from 2016 to 2020 were 5.67% and 3.03%, respectively. The Gini coefficients of healthcare personnel resources based on population distribution were all below 0.119, while those based on geographical area were all above 0.655. The total Theil indexes of pharmacist human resources based on population distribution were all below 0.010, while those based on geographical area were all above 0.511. In addition, the contribution rates of the within-group Theil indexes of pharmacist human resources based on population and geographical area distributions to the total Theil index were all greater than or equal to 50%.ConclusionsThe allocation level of pharmacist human resources in China continues to improve, but there are differences in different economic development areas. Currently, allocation based on population shows equity, but allocation based on geographic area shows inequity. In the future, more attention should be paid to the geographic accessibility of pharmacist human resources, and resource allocation should consider both the population served and geographic area.

Digitalisation in European regions: unravelling the impact of relatedness and complexity on digital technology adoption and productivity growth

ABSTRACT Digital technologies are the cornerstone of platform, knowledge, and network economies, driving the interconnectedness, innovation, and efficiency that define these economic models. Consequently, digitalisation has recently become a key policy objective for regional economies. This paper provides empirical evidence on how the adoption of new digital web technologies is shaped by previous regional digital capabilities. The analysis is based upon an economic complexity and relatedness framework using novel data on digital web technologies’ adoption for 278 European NUTS-2 regions between the years 2000 and 2022. Results show that regions tend to adopt new digital web technologies when they already master related digital capabilities. This paper also shows how digital complexity is associated with labour productivity gains at the regional level. Conclusions shed light on how regions adopt digital web technologies and serve as a tool for policymakers.

Uncovering embodied carbon emissions network between China and major regional economies with consideration of China’s trade structure optimization

Uncovering embodied carbon emissions network between China and major regional economies with consideration of China’s trade structure optimization

Study on the Impact of Entrepreneurship on Enterprise Performance in the Manufacturing Industry

Purpose: The study aims to explore the impact of entrepreneurship on the performance of manufacturing enterprises in China, focusing on specific traits of entrepreneurship such as innovation, risk-taking, and competitiveness. Additionally, it examines the relationship between entrepreneurship and regional economic growth, with an emphasis on how entrepreneurship drives enterprise performance, particularly in economically underdeveloped regions. Approach/Methodology/Design: The research uses empirical analysis based on sample data from listed manufacturing companies on China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets. It employs regression models to assess the impact of entrepreneurship on enterprise performance. Indicators such as R&D investment, market share, and firm size serve as proxies for entrepreneurship traits, while principal component analysis is used to calculate scores for both entrepreneurship and enterprise performance. Control variables include regional economy and leadership structure. Sub-regional analysis is conducted to compare the impact of entrepreneurship across different economic regions. Findings: The results show that entrepreneurship, innovation spirit, risk-taking spirit, and competitive spirit all have significant positive impacts on enterprise performance. Additionally, in different economic regions, entrepreneurship generally has a positive impact on enterprise performance, with a greater effect observed in areas with lower economic development. Practical Implications: The study provides valuable insights for enterprises and policymakers. It suggests that enterprises can enhance their competitiveness by fostering entrepreneurial traits, increasing R&D investment, and efficiently managing financial leverage. Furthermore, governments should support entrepreneurship in underdeveloped regions through training and policy measures to stimulate regional economic growth. Originality/value: This study constructs a unique evaluation system for entrepreneurship from a micro perspective and verifies its positive impact on enterprise performance. This study innovatively explores the differential impact of entrepreneurship across various economic regions, providing new perspectives for future research on the relationship between regional economies and entrepreneurship.