Regional Inequality Research Articles

Analysis of Theil Comparative Decomposition Index to Measure Regional Inequality Due to Industrialization Residues

The Industrial sector in Kendal County, Indonesia, is one of the national strategic projects aimed at promoting investment accumulation and job creation. Unfortunately, the rapid development of this Industrial sector has resulted in income inequality compared to other sectors. This research aims to examine and measure the contribution of the Industrial sector in Kendal County to aggregate inequality. Methodologically, this research uses a quantitative descriptive approach, which involves indexing inequality to reveal economic phenomena. The inequality indices include the Gini ratio index, the Williamson index, and the Theil index. In Kendal County, inequality is at a moderate to high level, as evidenced by a Gini ratio index of 0.411 and a Williamson index of 0.775. On the other hand, the Theil index reaches 0.519, placing it in between the Gini ratio and the Williamson index. The high inequality in Kendal County is attributed to the Industrial sector, accounting for 41.19%. The Industrial sector significantly contributes to the widening of inequality in Kendal County. This is due to the Industrial sector attracting production input factors such as investments, resources, human capital, monetary conditions, and technological innovation. However, the trickle-down effect does not occur between the Industrial sector and other economic sectors such as agriculture, food and beverages, trade, services, and accommodation.

Uncovering regional inequalities in digitalization: A multifaceted measurement for Germany

The ongoing global digital transformation has significant implications for economies and societies, with potential benefits and challenges. This study addresses the critical need for a comprehensive measurement of regional digitalization in Germany to better understand its impact on various aspects of life, including education, employment, and working conditions. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), it introduces a multifaceted regional digitalization measure at the administrative district level (NUTS-3) that incorporates digital infrastructure, culture, technology capacity, high-tech human capital, and digitalization-related innovativeness. Results for 2013 and 2017 are compared. The study reveals that digitalization varies significantly across regions, but hardly over time. Urban regions tend to have higher digitalization levels, which are positively associated with economic productivity and high-skilled labor demand. Our developed measurement of regional digitalization is publicly available.

Early school leaving in Spain: a longitudinal analysis by gender.

Spain is one of the eight EU-27 countries that failed to reduce early school leaving (ESL) below 10% in 2020, and now faces the challenge of achieving a rate below 9% by 2030. The determinants of this phenomenon are usually studied using cross-sectional data at the micro level and without differentiation by gender. In this study, we analyse it for the first time for Spain using panel data (between 2002 and 2020), taking into account the high regional inequalities at the macroeconomic level and the masculinisation of the phenomenon. The results show a positive relationship between ESL and socio-economic variables such as the adolescent fertility rate, immigration, unemployment or the weight of the industrial and construction sectors in the regional economy, with significant gender differences that invite us to discuss educational policies. Surprisingly, youth unemployment has only small but significant impact on female ESL.

Исследование неоднородности социально-экономического пространства России на уровне макрорегионов

Introduction. This article examines the problem of differentiation of the economic space of Russia. This problem originates during the collapse of the Soviet Union, when, during the transition from a command economy to a market economy, the state was faced with an uneven distribution of natural, territorial, demographic and other resources across the country's regions. The destruction of industrial, financial and social ties of the regions occurred as a result of the policy pursued by Yeltsin B., who pursued a course of strengthening the sovereignty of the subjects of Russia. In the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 803 dated 06/03/1996 "On the main provisions of regional policy in the Russian Federation", the task was set to smooth out significant imbalances in the socio-economic development of the regions. In this paper, the question is considered: has the task regulated by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation been achieved? The purpose of the work is to assess the differences in the socio-economic development of Russian regions grouped into federal districts.Materials and methods. The information base of this study consists of the works of domestic authors and data from the State Statistics Service (Rosstat). The Thale index, its structural decomposition, and the Atkinson index were used to analyze the socio-economic inequality of the regions.Results. The article provides a structural analysis of the socio-economic development of Russia (at the level of macro-regions) from 2000-2020 using the above indices. The results of the study showed significant intergroup differences in the macro-regions of Russia, as well as increased regional inequality in most of the considered indicators. An analysis of the regions within the federal districts showed that the regions of the Central Federal District differ significantly in terms of socio-economic development. In other federal districts, there is a low level of regional inequalityConclusions. As a result of the study, proposals were developed to reduce the socio-economic differentiation of the regions. The conclusions of this work can be used to improve the state regional policy in the field of balanced development of territories.

Does city smartness improve equality? Research on the impact of smart city construction on income inequality

AbstractSmart city construction is an essential practice in the effort to promote the digital transformation of society as a whole. Taking China's ‘National Smart City’ pilot project as a quasi‐natural experiment, this paper studies the income distribution effect of smart city construction by building a differences‐in‐differences model and using the data of China's prefecture‐level cities from 2008 to 2018. The results show that implementing China's ‘National Smart City’ pilot project has significantly reduced regional income inequality. However, this effect has heterogeneity. In regions with a higher level of economic development, human capital accumulation and R&D investment, the impact of smart city construction on reducing income inequality is stronger. In areas with a higher level of human capital accumulation, smart city construction can reduce income inequality. However, this effect is insignificant in areas with a lower level of human capital accumulation. Mechanisms tests show that smart city construction can reduce regional income inequality by creating more jobs, narrowing the digital divide and improving public service delivery. As stated above, this paper implies that accelerating the construction of smart cities and improving the digital and intelligence levels of the wider society is of great significance to reducing income inequality and building a more reasonable income distribution structure.

Where does Xinjiang fit within the Belt and Road Initiative? Indications from CCP Documents and China’s Steel industry

ABSTRACT China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an ambitious, contentious, and world-spanning project. Using Chinese Communist Party (CCP) documents, this paper examines one of the stated purposes of the BRI: to address regional inequality between China’s east and west, focusing upon Xinjiang. Through an analysis of regional economic data, the demographics of Xinjiang and Xinjiang governing bodies, and a case study of the Chinese steel industry, this paper shows that the BRI has so far failed to check increasing regional inequality in China and that job opportunities for local communities in Xinjiang are constrained by social and political factors.

Excess deaths and loss of life expectancy attributed to long-term NO2 exposure in the Chinese elderly

BackgroundEvidence linking nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution to life span of high-vulnerability older adults is extensively scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study seeks to quantify mortality risk, excess deaths, and loss of life expectancy (LLE) associated with long-term exposure to NO2 among elderly individuals in China. MethodsA nationwide dynamic cohort of 20352 respondents ≥65 years old were enrolled from the China Longitudinal Health and Longevity Survey during 2005–2018. Residential exposures to NO2 and co-pollutants were assessed by well-validated spatiotemporal prediction models. A Cox regression model with time-dependent covariates was utilized to quantify the association of all-cause mortality with NO2 exposure, controlling for confounders such as demographics, lifestyle, health status, and ambient temperature. NO2-attributable deaths and LLE were evaluated for the years 2010 and 2020 based on the pooled NO2-mortality relation derived from multi-national cohort investigations. Decomposition analyses were conducted to dissociate net shift in NO2-related deaths between 2010 and 2020 into four primary contributing factors. ResultsA total of 14313 deaths were recorded during follow-up of approximately 100 hundred person-years (median 3.6 years). We observed an approximately linear relationship (nonlinear P = 0.882) of NO2 exposure with all-cause death across a broad range from 6.6 to 95.7 μg/m3. Every 10-μg/m3 rise in yearly average NO2 concentration was linked to a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.045 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.031–1.059). In the updated meta-analysis of this study and 9 existing cohorts, we estimated a pooled HR of 1.043 (95% CI: 1.023–1.063) for each 10-μg/m3 growth in NO2. Reaching a 10-μg/m3 counterfactual target of NO2 concentration in China could avoid 0.33 (95% empirical CI: 0.19–0.49) million premature deaths and an LLE of 0.40 (95% empirical CI: 0.23–0.59) years in 2010, which greatly dropped to 0.24 (95% empirical CI: 0.14–0.36) million deaths and 0.21 (95% empirical CI: 0.12–0.31) years of LLE in 2020. The net fall in NO2-attributable deaths (–26.8%) between 2010 and 2020 was primarily driven by the declines in both NO2 concentration (–41.6%) and mortality rate (–27.1%) under population growth (+41.0%) and age structure transition (+0.9%). ConclusionsOur findings provide national evidence for increased risk of premature death and loss of life expectancy attributed to later-life NO2 exposure among the elderly in China. In an accelerated aging society, strengthened clean air actions should be formulated to minimize the health burden and regional inequality in NO2-attributable mortality.

Incentives for photovoltaic energy generation: A comparative analysis of policies in Spain, Germany, and Brazil

This paper examines the comparative analysis of photovoltaic (PV) energy policies and data from Spain, Germany, and Brazil, focusing on understanding the factors influencing PV deployment and efficiency in these countries. This study identifies critical policy recommendations to enhance PV capacity, generation, and efficiency based on a comprehensive review of policy measures and statistical data from 2000 to 2022. These recommendations include prioritising legal stability and transition periods in policy implementation, addressing regional inequalities in PV deployment, and promoting the association of PV with other energy industries and sectors. Additionally, the study suggests the need for a strategic industrial policy to encourage domestic PV manufacturing, considering the potential benefits for economic development and employment.

Regional trends in mental health inequalities in young people aged 16–25 in the UK and the role of cuts to local government expenditure: Repeated cross-sectional analysis using the British household panel Survey/UK household longitudinal survey

Young people's mental health globally has been in decline. Because of their low perceived need, young people's services tend to be the first cut when budgets are reduced. There is a lack of evidence on how a reduction in services and opportunities for young people is associated with their mental health. Additionally, how this may be magnified by place and the assets and challenges of place. The aim of this study is to explore trends in young people's mental health measured by GHQ-12 over time in the twelve regions of the UK. We estimated an interrupted time series model using 2010 as a break point from which there was a shift in government policy to a prolonged period of large reductions in central government funding. Repeated cross-sectional data on young people aged 16–25 is used from the British Household Panel Survey and its successor survey UK Household Longitudinal Survey. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in mental health for young people living in the North East, Wales, and the East of England. The North East was the region with the largest reduction in funding and saw the greatest reduction in young people's mental health. Next, we look at how reductions in local government expenditure related to services for children and young people: children's social services, education, transportation, and culture; explain the observed decline in mental health. We employ a Blinder-Oaxaca Decomposition approach comparing young people's mental health between 2011 and 2017. Results show a marginally statistically significant decrease in young people's mental health over this time. Unobserved factors related to transport spending and children's social services explain some of this gap. Area level factors such as deprivation, infrastructure, and existing assets need to be considered when distributing funding for young people's services to avoid exacerbating regional inequalities in mental health.

Is ‘Common Prosperity’ Badly Needed in Mainland China? Evidence on the Variance Convergence of Per-Capita GDP among 31 Cities and Provinces

ABSTRACT This research paper examines the necessity of implementing “common prosperity” in mainland China, as emphasized by Xi Jinping during the 20th Congress of CCP on October 16, 2022. The issue of provincial income divergence remains a challenge to China’s sustainable growth. The new concept of “common prosperity” stresses the requirement of reducing income inequality for the balance of growth and stability in the next development phase of China. This study analyzes regional income inequality and convergence using the club convergence approach. This method offers more precise indications of economic symmetry than traditional unit root tests, enabling clearer policy implications. The empirical analysis reveals that while full cross-provincial variance convergence is unsustainable, the 31 cities and provinces can be grouped based on club variance convergence of the per capita GDP. The past and current public policies could have an impact on the imbalanced convergence, such as “the richer got more” from the fiscal transfers, the hukou system, and the educational and tax justice among cities and provinces.

Global, regional, and national health inequalities of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease in 204 countries, 1990–2019

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), pose growing global health challenges. Socio-demographic and economic development acts paradoxically, complicating the process that determines how governments worldwide designate policies and allocate resources for healthcare.MethodsWe extracted data on ADRD and PD in 204 countries from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 database. Health disparities were estimated using the slope index of inequality (SII), and concentration index (CIX) based on the socio-demographic index. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were employed to evaluate temporal trends.ResultsGlobally, the SII increased from 255.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 215.2 to 295.5)] in 1990 to 559.3 (95% CI, 497.2 to 621.3) in 2019 for ADRD, and grew from 66.0 (95% CI, 54.9 to 77.2) in 1990 to 132.5 (95% CI, 118.1 to 147.0) in 2019 for PD; CIX rose from 33.7 (95% CI, 25.8 to 41.6) in 1990 to 36.9 (95% CI, 27.8 to 46.1) in 2019 for ADRD, and expanded from 22.2 (95% CI, 21.3 to 23.0) in 1990 to 29.0 (95% CI, 27.8 to 30.3) in 2019 for PD. Age-standardized disability-adjusted life years displayed considerable upward trends for ADRD [EAPC = 0.43 (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.59)] and PD [0.34 (95% CI, 0.29 to 0.38)].ConclusionsGlobally, the burden of ADRD and PD continues to increase with growing health disparities. Variations in health inequalities and the impact of socioeconomic development on disease trends underscored the need for targeted policies and strategies, with heightened awareness, preventive measures, and active management of risk factors.

EPH83 Mortality Rate By Tuberculosis in Colombia, 2012-2021: Regional Inequalities

EPH83 Mortality Rate By Tuberculosis in Colombia, 2012-2021: Regional Inequalities

An innovative visual approach to the simultaneous study of two dimensions of progress in longevity: an application to French and German regions

BackgroundBoth enhancing life expectancy and decreasing inequalities in lifespan between social groups are significant goals for public policy. To date, however, methodological tools to study progress in both dimensions simultaneously have been lacking. There is also a consensus that absolute and relative inequalities in lifespan must be studied together.MethodsWe introduce a novel graphical representation that combines national mortality rates with both absolute and relative measures of social inequality in mortality. To illustrate our approach, we analyze French and German data stratified by place of residence.ResultsFor all-age mortality, in France we find a steady pace of decline in both mortality and in regional inequalities in mortality over recent decades. In Germany, substantial progress was made in the 1990s, mostly driven by convergence between eastern and western Germany, followed by a period of slower progress. Age-specific analyses for Germany reveal a worrying divergence in regional trends at ages 35–74 in recent years, which is particularly pronounced among women.ConclusionOur novel visual approach offers a way to simultaneously examine two dimensions of progress in longevity, and facilitates meaningful comparisons between populations, even when their current mortality rates differ. The applied methods can be easily reproduced in any country for which long-term mortality series stratified by region, or any relevant socioeconomic characteristic, are available. It is useful for both scientific analysis and policy advice.

Health workforce for oral health inequity: Opportunity for action.

Oral health is high on the global agenda following the adoption of the 2022 global strategy on oral health at the 75th World Health Assembly. Given the global burden of oral disease, workforce development to achieve universal health coverage [UHC] is crucial to respond to population needs within the non-communicable disease agenda. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the oral health workforce [OHWF] globally in relation to key contextual factors. Data from the National Health Workforce Accounts and a survey of World Health Organization [WHO] member states were integrated for analysis, together with country-level data on population and income status. Data are presented using the WHO categorisation of global regions and income status categories established by the World Bank. Workforce densities for key OHWF categories were examined. Multiple regression was used to model workforce density and contextual influences. Challenges and possible solutions were examined by country income status. There are approximately 3.30 dentists per 10,000 population globally, and a combined OHWF [dentists, dental assistants/therapists and dental prosthetic technicians] of 5.31 per 10,000. Marked regional inequalities are evident, most notably between WHO European and African regions; yet both make greater use of skill mix than other regions. When adjusted by region, 'country income status' and 'population urbanization' are strong predictors of the workforce density of dentists and even more so for the combined OHWF. Maldistribution of the workforce [urban/rural] was considered a particular workforce challenge globally and especially for lower-income countries. Strengthening oral health policy was considered most important for the future. The global distribution of dentists, and the OHWF generally, is inequitable, with variable and limited use of skill mix. Creative workforce development is required to achieve the global oral health agenda and work towards equity using innovative models of care, supported by effective governance and integrated policies.

Measuring urban shrinkage in India using night-light data from DMSP-OLS and VIIRS-NPP satellite sensors

Urban shrinkage, an emerging phenomenon marked by a decline in city population, is experienced by both developed and developing countries. In Asia, India hosts a significant number of shrinking cities. Over traditional population measures, night-light data emerges as a great replacement for advanced measurement of socio-economic and demographic parameters without any constraint of time and administrative boundaries. This study aims to measure urban shrinkage in India using night-light data captured by DMSP/OLS and VIIRS satellite sensors, examine spatial patterns, and verify them using population-based estimates. Despite increased economic development and availability of electricity compared to 1990, there has been a reduction in night light reflection in many parts. The results show that 20 % of cities experienced urban shrinkage in India during 1992–2021. The shrinking cities cluster in eastern, southern, and northern zones, and the spatial pattern matches with population-based estimates. The paradox of urban shrinkage in India signals a need for the enhancement of urban policies and programs. Striving for balanced urban growth is crucial for fostering economic prosperity and reducing regional inequality. An inclusive development approach for all urban settlements may help address the premature issue of urban shrinkage in India and achieve sustainable development goals.

Weaknesses of the existing organization of emergency medical care in European countries

The importance of an emergency medical care system for ensuring affordable and quality healthcare in any country is indisputable. Studying and analyzing existing problems in organizing this system is the first step to solving them. The present study aimed to investigate and outline the possible scope of the problems of emergency medical care, their recurrence, and similarity in 17 European countries. Content analysis of documents was used. The most characteristic organizational problems in providing emergency medical care for each of the countries are identified and grouped into five categories: Direct patient access to hospital emergency departments; Overloading of emergency departments by non-urgent, self-referral patients; Telephone triage by dispatchers - nurses or assistants; Existing and/or impending shortage of doctors in Emergency Medical Services (EMS); Regional and social inequalities in access to emergency medical care. A quantitative measurement of the categories and their relative weight were reported. Based on the analysis, the conclusions of the study were drawn. The identified problems, grouped into categories of weaknesses of the existing emergency medical care organization in European countries, may serve as a basis for undertaking health care reforms.

Innovation Capacities of Mexican States

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the innovation performance of Mexican states to identify the factors that explain the unequal performance of Mexican states in terms of innovation generation. Theoretical Framework: The study design is based on the regional innovation capabilities (RICs) proposed by Muller et al (2008). Method: The impact of the RICs on the generation of innovations in Mexican states is analyzed using 17 indicators under a multiple regression model based on data from official Mexican sources for each of the 32 states. Results and Discussion: The results show that regional technology absorption capacity is the factor that has the greatest impact on the innovation performance of Mexico's states. Research Implications: These results highlight the relevance of factors associated with technological learning for the patenting rate performance of Mexican states. These implications could include the designers and decision-makers of public policies on science and technology, as well as the institutions that produce research and development. Originality/Value: This research can be a very particular reference for future research to address and propose new conceptual frameworks for the study of regional inequalities in the generation of innovations. In addition, this study evidences the need for greater availability of data related to innovation processes in the country.

Социальная поляризация и дифференциация доходов населения по оси «Север-Центр»

The article focuses on the problem of social polarization in the global context and on the level of particular countries. The subject of the study is the economic and social parameters of functioning mechanisms of territorial development in the conditions of existing instability and social risk. Income differentiation is considered as a key factor of social distancing of society and as a determinant of social instability. The authors compare data from reports of international economic organizations, statistical bulletins and publications of the scientific community. The proportions of income inequality are analyzed in the cross-country and intra-country contexts; as an example, the regional differentiation of the Russian Arctic territories, as well as the urban and rural population of China, are assessed. Dynamic changes in absolute and relative terms of living standard indicators confirm the hypothesis of increasing social polarization. The development of the Russian Arctic territories demonstrates an imbalance between the living standards of the population and the perceived quality of life, while the main trends of regional inequality in China have clear group characteristics. The identified patterns can be used to adjust social and regional policies, to determine the parameters of development strategies and the content of government programs and projects.

Analisis Faktor-faktor yang Mempengaruhi Ketimpangan Wilayah di Provinsi DKI Jakarta dan Provinsi Kalimantan Timur Tahun 2010-2020

Regional inequality is a development problem experienced by Indonesia. DKI Jakarta Province as the capital city of Indonesia and East Kalimantan Province which is designated as a candidate for the new capital city of Indonesia has a high inequality. This study aims to analyze the effect of investment, agglomeration, unemployment rate, primary sector GRDP distribution and road length on regional inequality in DKI Jakarta Province and East Kalimantan Province in 2010‒2020.This study uses the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis method and uses a data processing tool in the form of the Eviews 10 application. The data used in this analysis is time series data in 2010-2020 obtained from the BPS, BPS DKI Jakarta and BPS Kalimantan Timur.The study indicates that in the Province of DKI Jakarta the investment variable has a positive and significant influence on regional inequality. The agglomeration variable, the unemployment rate has a negative and significant effect on regional inequality, while the primary sector GRDP distribution and road length variables have no significant effect on regional inequality. Meanwhile, in East Kalimantan Province, the variables of agglomeration, unemployment rate and distribution of GRDP in the primary sector have a positive and significant effect on regional inequality, while the investment variables and road length have no significant effect on regional inequality. Investment variables, agglomeration, unemployment rate, primary sector GRDP distribution and road length together have a positive and significant impact on regional inequality in DKI Jakarta Province and East Kalimantan Province in 2010-2020.

Exploring economic activity from outer space: A Python notebook for processing and analyzing satellite nighttime lights

Nighttime lights (NTL) data are widely recognized as a useful proxy for monitoring national, subnational, and supranational economic activity. These data offer advantages over traditional economic indicators such as GDP, including greater spatial granularity, timeliness, lower cost, and comparability between regions regardless of statistical capacity or political interference. However, despite these benefits, the use of NTL data in regional science has been limited. This is in part due to the lack of accessible methods for processing and analyzing satellite images. To address this issue, this paper presents a user-friendly geocomputational notebook that illustrates how to process and analyze satellite NTL images. First, the notebook introduces a cloud-based Python environment for visualizing, analyzing, and transforming raster satellite images into tabular data. Next, it presents interactive tools to explore the space-time patterns of the tabulated data. Finally, it describes methods for evaluating the usefulness of NTL data in terms of their cross-sectional predictions, time-series predictions, and regional inequality dynamics.