Net Inflow Research Articles

Regional carbon inequality and its impact in China: A new perspective from urban agglomerations

The principal urban agglomerations in China function as critical hubs for both economic advancement and the mitigation of carbon emissions. Given the disparate levels of development across various urban agglomerations, trade between these agglomerations may result in inequality between carbon transfers and value added transfers. Assessing carbon inequality among major urban agglomerations in China can help identify the identification of primary trade relationships and industrial sectors of carbon inequality, thereby fostering the coordinated development of urban agglomerations. This study constructs a carbon inequality index based on an environmentally extended input-output model. This study conducts a thorough evaluation of carbon inequality among various urban agglomerations and analyzes the industry characteristics of embodied carbon net transfers and value added net transfers in typical urban agglomerations. The research findings indicate that: The carbon inequality index for underdeveloped urban agglomerations, exemplified by the Central Plains urban agglomeration, is generally greater than 1. The carbon inequality index for developed urban agglomerations, exemplified by the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, is generally less than 1 due to their higher levels of economic development. An analysis of the industry characteristics of carbon emissions net transfer and value added net transfer in typical urban agglomerations reveals that heavy industry is the main contributing sector to the net inflow of embodied carbon and net outflow of value added in the Central Plains urban agglomeration. The main contributing sector to the net outflow of embodied carbon and net inflow of value added in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration is the service industry. This study ultimately proposes more refined recommendations aimed at fostering coordinated development among regions in China, establishing a win-win situation for economic growth and carbon reduction.

How population ageing affects FDI flows: a tale of South Korea

The neoclassical theory predicts that population ageing would reduce net FDI inflows, which would nullify government efforts to attract FDI. There is a complete paucity of literature on the dynamic relation between population ageing and FDI flows for South Korea. This is a distinctive attempt to test the hypothesis that population ageing reduces net FDI flows (% of GDP) in South Korea. The results of the ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration analysis under structural breaks provide clear evidence of non-linearity between population ageing and net FDI flows (% of GDP). Support for the neoclassical hypothesis is established only in the short-run.

Forecasting Foreign Direct Investment Inflow to Bangladesh: Using an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average and a Machine Learning-Based Random Forest Approach

This study focuses on the challenge of accurately forecasting foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Bangladesh, which are crucial for the country’s sustainable economic growth. Although Bangladesh has strong potential as an investment destination, recent FDI inflows have sharply declined due to global economic uncertainties and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a clear gap in applying advanced forecasting models, particularly the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and machine learning techniques like random forest (RF), to predict FDI inflows in Bangladesh. This study aims to analyze and forecast FDI inflows in Bangladesh by employing a hybrid approach that integrates the ARIMA model and the RF algorithm. This study covers the period from 1986 to 2022. The analysis reveals that net FDI inflow in Bangladesh is integrated into the first order, and the ARIMA (3,1,2) model is identified as the most suitable based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Diagnostic tests confirm its consistency and appropriateness for forecasting net FDI inflows in the country. This study’s findings indicate a decreasing trend in net FDI inflows over the forecasted period, with an average of USD 1664 million, similar to recent values. The results from the RF model also support these findings, projecting average net FDI values of USD 1588.99 million. To achieve the aims of Vision 2041, which include eradicating extreme poverty and becoming a high-economic nation, an increasing trend of FDI inflow is crucial. The current forecasting trends provide insights into the potential trajectory of FDI inflows in Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of attracting higher FDI to accomplish their economic goals. Additionally, strengthening bilateral investment agreements and leveraging technology transfer through FDI will also be essential for fostering sustainable economic growth.

THE EFFECT OF THE SHADOW ECONOMY AND ECONOMIC FREEDOM ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN ASIAN COUNTRIES

This study examines the effect of the shadow economy, economic freedom and other macroeconomic factors on formal entrepreneurship in Asian countries. The dataset encompasses 28 countries over the period from 1995 to 2018. The Fixed Effect Model (FEM) and Generalized Least Squares (GLS) methodologies are employed for regression analysis. The results indicate a nonlinear relationship between the shadow economy and formal entrepreneurship. Economic freedom, particularly trade freedom, significantly enhances entrepreneurship. Positive macroeconomic influences on formal entrepreneurship include financial development, political stability, GDP per capita growth and foreign direct investment net inflows, while government spending and unemployment negatively affect entrepreneurship. The findings suggest that a substantial shadow economy does not inherently impede formal entrepreneurship. Consequently, governments should prudently consider the role of the shadow economy in fostering entrepreneurial growth. Moreover, policies aimed at improving economic freedom, especially trade freedom, can create a conducive environment for boosting formal entrepreneurship.

Factors Affecting Traditional and Modern Services Imports in an Emerging Economy: The Role of Real Exchange Rate and Remittances Inflows

This study examines the effects of real exchange rate and remittance inflows on total, traditional and modern services imports in India using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing approach from 1990 to 2020. Banking sector development, stock market development and net foreign direct investment inflows are controlled variables in the estimated services imports functions. The findings from the ARDL long-run model indicate that real exchange rate and remittance inflows inversely affect all service imports. Banking sector development and stock market development positively impact total and traditional services imports. In the case of modern services imports, the banking sector (stock market) inversely (positively) affects it. Net foreign direct investment inflows positively (negatively) affect modern services imports (traditional and total services imports). These findings suggest that policymakers in India should check the adverse effects of real effective exchange rates and remittance inflows on total, traditional and modern services imports. JEL Codes: F14, F31, F24, G21, G10, C32

Analysis of the Spatial Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Large-Scale Land Acquisition Projects in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an essential region for companies carrying out large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs). Exploring the distribution patterns and influencing factors of LSLA projects in this region is of great practical significance for summarizing the characteristics of LSLA projects in Southeast Asia, for gaining a thorough understanding of LSLA project development rules, and for formulating reasonable policies to guide local LSLA projects. This study explores the spatial distribution and influencing factors of LSLA projects in Southeast Asia using the mean center method, the kernel density estimation method, and the grey correlation method. The findings indicate the following: Firstly, the majority of LSLA projects in Southeast Asia are located in the Indo-China Peninsula, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and other countries, which represent significant regions of interest for LSLA projects in this region. Secondly, the spatial distribution of LSLA intention projects and LSLA contract projects in Southeast Asia is similar, whereas LSLA production projects differ from the former two. Thirdly, the scale of LSLA projects in Southeast Asia is closely related to the host country’s natural resources, socio-economic conditions, governance, and market environment. The total GDP, per capita arable land area, net foreign direct investment inflow, and political stability have been identified as exerting a significant influence on investment corporations’ selection of LSLA host countries.

A study on the spatial correlation network structure and its influencing factors of coupling coordination between FDI flow network and carbon transfer network in the belt and road initiative countries

Clarifying the spatial correlation characteristics and influencing factors of coupling coordination between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flow networks and carbon transfer networks in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative is of utmost importance for the formulation of regional carbon governance strategies and the establishment of a high-quality Green Silk Road. This study used a comprehensive approach combining social network analysis and coupling coordination model to measure the coupling coordination degree of FDI flow networks and carbon transfer networks of 67 Belt and Road countries from 2010 to 2016. In addition, a modified gravity model is used to characterize the spatial correlation network structure of coupling coordination between the two networks, and the QAP regression analysis method is applied to investigate the factors influencing the spatial association network. The results are as follows: 1) The spatial correlation network of coupling coordination between the two networks has good accessibility and relatively high overall network stability. 2) Countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates occupy central positions in the network, while Bahrain and Jordan are positioned on the periphery of the network. 3) The spatial correlation network can be divided into three sectors: net outflow, net inflow, and bidirectional overflow sectors. 4) Spatial adjacency, bilateral investment treaties, economic development, and institutional quality have significant positive effects on the spatial association network, while the industrial structure and the level of infrastructure development have a significant negative impact. This study proposes an indicator system for the coupling coordination between FDI flow networks and carbon transfer networks. The aim is to investigate the coupling coordination relationship between FDI flow networks and carbon emission transfer networks in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, providing important guidance for the formulation of regional cooperative carbon emission reduction strategies in other regions.

The determination of the exchange rate: A new-developmental approach

This paper discusses the long-term determination of the exchange rate, given that it may remain depreciated or overvalued for some time. It defines the equilibrium exchange rate and the competitive exchange rate; the latter makes investment projects competitive internationally. Instead of starting from the PPP theory, it starts from the concept of the value of foreign money or the exchange rate around which the price, the exchange rate, revolves according to the supply and demand of foreign money. This, in turn, is influenced by three factors: the terms of trade, the current-account balance as a determinant of the net capital flows or inflows, and the interest rate differential. This paper criticizes the “fundamental equilibrium” concept and develops two econometric tests. The first checks whether the four determinant variables used in the model are relevant. The second verifies whether this model is a good predictor of the exchange rate throughout time.

A framework for evaluating the combined effects of water transfer and storage strategies on water stress alleviation

Water transfer and storage are two effective anthropogenic management strategies to alleviate the contradictions between water supply and demand. However, the trade-off and synergistic impacts of management strategies in alleviating water stress remain unclear at the national level. Therefore, this study proposes a framework that integrates the fraction of runoff being withdrawn (scarcity coefficient) and the variation of runoff weighted by reservoir (variability coefficient) to evaluate the multifaceted impacts of management strategies on water stress mitigation. The proposed framework evaluates the changes in both the water supply–demand balance and the historical variability of runoff by considering physical water transfers, virtual water flows, and reservoir operations. This study applied the framework to evaluate the spatiotemporal patterns of water stress and used principal component analysis to estimate the relative contributions of management strategies across ten first-order basins in China for the period of 2014–2018. Results show that water-resource scarcity coefficient varied between −37.15% and 13.28% at the basin scale (the national average varied −5%) and water-resource variability coefficient varied between −100% and −19.26% at the basin scale (the national average varied −61.11%). Management strategies, incorporating water transfer and storage strategies, shifted the distribution patterns of national water stress. The attribution analysis revealed that reservoir storage capacity was the largest contributor to the first principal component representing infrastructure element, whereas the second component representing economic element was affected by the net virtual water inflows. Overall, through exploring the outcomes of combined effects among management strategies, this proposed framework provides a comprehensive perspective for investigating how human activity alleviates regional water stress.

Expert-based prior uncertainty analysis of gridded water balance components: Application to the irrigated Hindon River Basin, India

Study regionHindon River Basin, North India. Study focusAccurate estimation of water balance components is crucial for water management applications yet challenging due to errors in monthly gridded water balance data products. Error and uncertainty quantification is especially important in the absence of extensive in-situ data. This paper presents a prior uncertainty analysis for such situations consisting of two components: (i) quantification of prior uncertainties using metrics that quantify errors in individual products and variability and consistency between products, and (ii) reduction of prior uncertainties by eliminating unrealistic water balance estimates. New hydrological insights for the regionGrid-scale inter-product uncertainty or variability, computed as the coefficient of variation (CV, %) at various temporal scales, reveals discrepancies between water balance products due to a combination of factors, including methodological differences, inherent spatial variability, data sources, and resolution disparities. At the mean annual scale, P fluxes display a lower grid-scale inter-product uncertainty (5–9 %) than ET (20–55 %), while the ∆TWS from GRACE solutions show a moderate mean annual grid-scale inter-product uncertainty (15–19 %). Grid-scale inter-product uncertainties of ∆SMS for July – representing the onset of the monsoon season – are high (CV = 54–122 %), indicating that the uncertainty in estimates of this component may have a large impact on water balance analyses. P fluxes exhibited fewer spatio-temporal uncertainties (R2 above 0.8) than ET fluxes (R2 less than 0.75). The exclusion of the unreliable data sets resulted in (a) reducing uncertainties in input water balance components with triple collocation range shifting from 15–38 to 17–23 mm/month for ET and from 16–52 to 11–23 mm/month for P, (b) obtaining updated prior estimates of seasonal water balance. The updated priors of water balance variables per season suggest a net basin outflow (from −318 to −57 mm/season) during the monsoon (rainy) season and net basin inflow (from −38 to 330 mm/season) during the non-monsoon (dry) season, the latter related to surface-water imports from outside the basin. All GRACE data sets exhibit a regional long-term decreasing trend in total water storage (ranging from −31 to −61 mm/year), qualitatively confirming previously documented unsustainable groundwater depletion in the basin. Prior ranges and uncertainties for all water balance variables reported here can be used as input into a posterior analysis that uses in-situ data for locally calibrating (bias-correcting, noise-filtering) and further updating the prior estimates.

Historical assessment and future scenario modelling: How do inter-provincial migrants affect the process of carbon peaking in residential buildings?

The inter-regional carbon emission transfer caused by inter-provincial migrants (IPMs) is an important factor influencing China's provincial residential building carbon emissions (RBCEs). Based on census data and the per capita residential building carbon emissions (PCRBCEs), this study assesses the number of IPMs in China year by year from 2011 to 2020, quantifies the amount of RBCE transfers generated in the process, and further simulates the impacts of different IPM sizes in the future on the timing and pathways of carbon peaking in provincial residential buildings. The results of this study show that the total number of IPMs in China has been increasing year by year since 2015, with the number of new IPMs ranging from 20 to 25 million per year. During the decade from 2011 to 2020, IPMs in China cumulatively led to an increase in RBCEs of 98 MtCO2. For provinces with large net inflows or outflows of population, such as Beijing, Henan, and Guizhou, the different sizes of future IPMs will have a significant impact on the time of their RBCE peak. Overall, this study fills in data gaps and provides a valuable reference for formulating better carbon peaking pathways at the provincial level.

The episodic dynamics of salt transport in the Waitematā Estuary, a well-mixed estuary in New Zealand

This study investigates the response of salt transport to freshwater discharge events and tides in the Waitematā Estuary. The salt transport is assessed by both observations and numerical simulations using a gridded salt balance and isohaline salt transport. The Waitematā Estuary represents a unique type of estuary in parameter space: it varies between well-mixed and strain-induced periodic stratification during the spring-neap tidal cycle. Spring tides often lead to a net inflow of salt when the freshwater discharge is below average. Higher freshwater discharge (>10 m3s-1) results in net downstream salt transport regardless of the amplitude of the tides. The estimates of estuarine parameters show that the whole estuary becomes partially-mixed when the freshwater discharge increases by another order of magnitude (100 m3s-1). Based on future regional climate projections of less average rainfall with more intense events and rising temperatures, the estuary is expected to experience less frequent but stronger salt outflow. This study contributes observations from a previously undocumented part of estuarine parameter space.

Impact of Financial Development on Economic Growth of Nepal

This study examines the impact of financial development on economic growth of Nepal. The dependent variables are real gross domestic product and per capita income. The independent variables are money supply, stock market capitalization, private sector credit, financial access and net foreign direct investment inflows. The study is based on time series data for the period by Ministry of Finance and Central Bureau of Statistics of Nepal. The correlation coefficients and regression models are estimated to test the significance and importance of financial development on economic growth in Nepal. The study showed that stock market capitalization has a positive impact on real gross domestic product and per capita income. It indicates that higher the stock market capitalization, higher would be the real gross domestic product and per capita income. Similarly, there is a positive impact of private sector credit to GDP on real gross domestic product and per capita income. It indicates that increase in private sector credit leads to increase in real gross domestic product and per capita income. In addition, broad money supply has a positive impact on real gross domestic product and per capita income indicating that higher the broad money supply, higher would be the real gross domestic product and per capita income. Similarly, financial access has a positive impact on real gross domestic product and per capita income. It indicates that increase in financial access leads to increase in real gross domestic product and per capita income. Likewise, net foreign direct investment inflow has a positive impact on real gross domestic product and per capita income. It indicates that increase in net foreign direct investment inflow leads to increase in real gross domestic product and per capita income of Nepal.

Multi-dimensional equilibrium optimal allocation of water resources in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region through spatial association network analysis

The rapid social and economic development has led to problems such as over-exploitation of water resources, strong demand for physical water resources, and disequilibrium of water resources load. Based on the current situation of the water resources system in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, this study proposed an input–output analysis-assessment-prediction-optimization framework. A water resources dissipation environment extended multi-regional input–output model was established, and the spatial equilibrium of water resources load was evaluated comprehensively. Furthermore, a multi-dimensional spatial equilibrium optimal allocation for water resources was built to identify key nodes and sectors. The primary findings were as follows: (1) Shijiazhuang and Tangshan were the main cities with net virtual water outflow, while Beijing and Baoding were the primary recipients of net virtual water inflow; (2) The overall score for the spatial equilibrium assessment of water resource load was low, with dimension scores predominantly ranging between 0.2 and 0.6; (3) The key transfer nodes were predominantly concentrated on the “outflow from Shijiazhuang” and the “inflow to Cangzhou and Langfang” nodes. This research conducted an in-depth exploration of the direction of water resource transfers, the actual stress conditions, and the spatial equilibrium of water resources within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Finally, the future adjustment strategy for water-intensive industries at the urban agglomeration scale was obtained.

Downward pressure, investment style and performance persistence of institutional investors

This paper explores the capacity of time-varying investment styles to safeguard investors in a capital market burdened by substantial downside risk. Utilizing Covid-19 as a quasi-natural experiment, we deploy the Event Study methodology to scrutinize the effect of pronounced external downside risk on mutual fund performance. Our findings reveal that downward pressure initially exerts a significant negative influence, which attenuates as public apprehension recedes. Subsequent analyses employing Difference-in-Differences and Propensity Score Matching methods demonstrate that style drift serves to mitigate the adverse impact of downward pressure on fund performance. Notably, active style drift positively influences fund performance as it manifested by net fund inflows and the stock selection prowess of fund managers.

The Structural and Functional Development of an Urban Network System from the Perspective of Flow Space: A Case Study of Nanjing

Abstract: Globalization and informatization have exerted far-reaching impacts on the spatial connection and development of urban systems. This study, concerning the network of an urban system based on the space of flows, supplements the insufficiency on the micro-level in macro-urban network research. Taking Nanjing as an example, this study explores the characteristics of the network of the urban system from the perspective of people flow, refining the granularity of the analysis to the township- and street-level spatial units using mobile phone data. The findings are as follows: (1) There is a multicenter layered network pattern, with the main urban area being the core of the network, while Dongshan Street and Moling Street, as secondary centers, form a joint development pattern with the main urban area. (2) The spatial differentiation is significant. The spatial heterogeneity of “centralization in the central region, delayering in the north, and hierarchization in the south” is obvious. The net people inflow nodes are mainly concentrated in the main urban area and its surroundings, while the net outflow nodes are mostly located on the edge of the city. Moreover, the nodes to the south of Yangtze River are advantageous in urban resource control. (3) The phenomenon of “double shadow circle” appears in the ring of the main city and the ring of the municipal area. Moreover, the northern district experiences a serious outflow of population. (4) The effect of policy intervention is beginning to show. Improved levels of development of street and township units such as Jiangbei New District show the positive influence of national strategy on regional development.

The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth in Oman: An analysis via SmartPLS approach

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has grown rapidly around the world. This is because many nations, particularly developing ones, consider Foreign Direct Investment as a vital component of their economic growth plans. This research investigates the relationship between FDI and economic growth in Oman. This is descriptive research that employs quantitative methodologies, with quantitative data gathered through secondary sources. Economic growth is the dependent variable in this study. The factors influencing foreign direct investment are often known as independent variables. In addition, this study used the net inflow and net outflow % of GDP to measure foreign direct investment and GDP growth annual % for measure economic growth. Where the real data was used, annual reports from "The World Bank" for the years 1974 to 2019. In addition, the data in this study was evaluated utilizing a Partial Least Square (PLS) technique and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This study discovered a positive association between FDI and economic growth in Oman. Furthermore, the findings suggested that FDI had an impact on economic growth. Foreign direct investment has a substantial impact on economic growth (GDP-Growth). However, the finding showed that FDI-Net-Inflows were insignificant in terms of GDP-Growth.

On the Layered Structure and Seasonal Variation of the Water Exchanges in the Sulawesi Sea Areas As Well As the Associated Dynamics

AbstractThe layered structure and seasonal variation of the water exchanges in the Sulawesi Sea areas, as well as the corresponding dynamics, are investigated using HYCOM data. A net inward water mass transport is identified in the upper and intermediate layers in the Sulawesi Sea and it is compensated by the net outward transport in the deep layer. As an important source of this net inward transport, the southward flow through the Sibutu Passage (denoted hereafter as Sibutu Flow) reaches 5.06 Sv in winter, accounting for ∼43% of the net inflow. However, it decreases substantially to 1.79 Sv in summer, accounting for only 12% of the inflow. Further analysis reveals that this Sibutu Flow modulates the seasonal variation of the corresponding outward flow at the Makassar Strait, the major exit of the water mass in the Sulawesi Sea. In winter, the enhancement of the Sibutu Flow associated with the greater intrusion of Kuroshio water into the Luzon Strait produces a stronger eastward pressure gradient force, suppressing the surface intrusion of the Mindanao Current. Conversely, this pressure gradient force weakens and shifts westward in summer, permitting a larger water intrusion from the eastern section. Given that the outward Makassar Flow is the main passage of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF), our study highlights the essential role of the Sibutu Flow in modulating seasonal variabilities of the ITF via the Makassar Strait and, thus, the transfer of water masses and heat content between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Symmetric and Asymmetric Response of the Renewable Energy Market to Indonesian Economic Trends

This study digs into the complex interplay between renewable energy market development and Indonesian economic trends. Our rigorous study aims to investigate the impact of crucial economic indicators, including gross domestic product (GDP), exchange rates, inflation, real interest rates, net inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI), and urbanisation, on the renewable energy landscape in Indonesia between 1973 and 2022. This study provides a novel insight by investigating both symmetric and asymmetric impacts in the context of Indonesia. While previous studies have limited scope with linear relationships, this study fills a gap by capturing the dynamic interplay between renewables and economic indicators. By employing a robust econometric model, we reveal interesting patterns highlighting the multidimensional nature of the renewable energy market's responses to economic trends and find that there is a long-term interplay among the variables under linear and non-linear models. We found empirical evidence indicating that the nexus is asymmetric. However, in the long term, GDP exhibits an asymmetric positive impact on renewable energy consumption in the linear model. This shows that economic growth positively correlates with Indonesia's adoption of sustainable renewable energy sources. Similarly, urbanisation shows a positive response, with expanding cities boosting demand for cleaner and greener energy. Surprisingly, exchange rates show an asymmetric response, demonstrating that depreciation of local currency has a disproportionate negative impact on renewable energy investment during economic downturns. Inflation also exhibits a negative asymmetric response due to eroding purchasing power that reduces investment in renewables. Meanwhile, net inflow of FDI emerges as a critical driver in favourable economic conditions, dramatically amplifying renewable energy capacities. Therefore, during economic recessions, FDI’s impact diminishes and emphasises the significant importance of tailored interventions. Based on the findings of this study, which demonstrate the profound interplay of how the Indonesian economy shapes and is affected by the renewable energy market, we encourage the adoption of policies that promote sustainable energy development while increasing economic resilience. We recommend that policymakers support renewable energy diversification to lessen the vulnerability of exchange rate fluctuations. Attracting FDI is also crucial, as policies can help strengthen the investment climate and bolster the renewable energy sector. Inflation-indexed incentives can help maintain confidence and foster economic growth.

Comparison of the Impact of Different Economic Patterns on Population Inflows: Evidence from China’s Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang Provinces

Between 2000 and 2022, China’s top three highest GDP provinces, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu, each having distinct economic structures, displayed different paths of development in their net population inflows. This prompts us to ponder how the economic patterns of the most economically developed regions impact population inflows. To answer the question, we first examine each economic pattern and use the entropy weight method to construct a comprehensive index to capture the features of each economic pattern in different regions. Then, we employ a two-way fixed effects model with panel data from the three provinces to conduct the empirical analysis. Moving forward, we expand the sample size to 10 provinces, including China’s eastern metropolitan areas, to extend the analysis beyond the previously selected regions and corroborate the consistency and robustness of our model. The results show that the Wenzhou pattern, featured primarily by the private sector, has the most impact on population inflows, followed by the Pearl River pattern, driven by an export-oriented economy. In contrast, the Sunan pattern, characterized by the collective economy, has an insignificant impact. We further dissect and determine the essential factors influencing population inflows within the three economic patterns and estimate the sustainability of the economic pattern via net population inflows. Our findings can provide insights for policy-makers to understand and utilize economic patterns in order to impact population inflows effectively. Specifically, we propose that the observable net population inflows can serve as an indicator to evaluate the sustainability of local economic patterns, thus providing another perspective on assessing the region’s economic development.