Urban Economy Research Articles

Study on the Comprehensive Assessment of High-Quality Development Performance of Low Carbon Tourism in China's Rizhao City Empowered by New Quality Productivity

With the rapid development of China's urban economy, the new quality productivity empowerment to promote the high-quality development of tourism in Rizhao City has become a new trend, and the vigorous development of tourism has gradually become a new growth point under the influence of a series of policies on low-carbon tourism in Shandong Province. In order to effectively assess the performance of new quality productivity empowerment to promote the high-quality development of low-carbon tourism in Rizhao City, this paper utilizes the basic data of Rizhao City, China, for the period of 2013-2022, and comprehensively assesses the status of the high-quality development performance of low-carbon tourism in Rizhao City by constructing the spatial ecological niche integrated assessment model, and it is found that: the performance of the high-quality development of low-carbon tourism in the city of Rizhao City, China, which is empowered by the new quality productivity, has shown a There are some differences in the assessment results of the three models, the absolute ecological niche suitability model has the largest assessment result, the relative ecological niche suitability model has the smallest assessment result, and the assessment result of the spatial ecological niche suitability model is located in between the assessment results of the other two models with the effect of equalization, and the assessment result of the spatial ecological niche suitability model shows that the high-quality development performance of the target city's low-carbon tourism The assessment result in 2013 is 0.7783, and the quality level of low-carbon tourism high-quality development performance is III, and the assessment result in 2022 rises to 0.8972, and the quality level of low-carbon tourism high-quality development performance is II, which has already reached the edge of I. In terms of the degree of influence of the evaluation indicators, the insufficient strength of new quality productivity empowerment in Rizhao City, China, affects the performance of low-carbon tourism high-quality development, and the second most influential of the other guideline level indicators on the assessment results is the weak effect category.

The effects of digital economy on manufacturing resource allocation efficiency across Chinese cities: a spatial economic perspective

ABSTRACT The development of digital economy provides significant impacts on spatial distribution of industries. Using microdata from Chinese manufacturing enterprises and adopting a spatial economic perspective, this study reveals that the digital economy exerts non-linear impacts on resource allocation. As the level of urban digital economy improves, the efficiency of manufacturing resource allocation shows an inverted U-shaped trend, and high hierarchy cities exhibit higher critical values. The study finds a positive spatial correlation in manufacturing resource allocation efficiency across cities; however, the growth of digital economy in neighbouring cities may lead to backwash effects and impede local improvements in allocation efficiency. The mechanism analysis indicates that the digital economy primarily affects spatial resource allocation through urban agglomeration economies and diseconomies. Consequently, economic agents and policy makers in cities should consider the dual effects of ‘location optimization’ and ‘transforming the economy from substantial to fictitious’ during digital transformation processes to select optimal development paths and improve allocation efficiency.

Harnessing biomass waste-to-energy for sustainable electricity generation: prospects, viability, and policy implications for low-carbon urban development

AbstractBiomass waste-to-energy (WtE) generation is a potential pathway for green urban transition in developing countries which can contribute significantly to sustainable development goal 7: affordable and clean energy. However, unlike fossil fuel energy systems, the economic returns from WtE systems are low because WtE generation is capital-intensive and requires subsidies. This study examines the prospects of a sustainable biomass electricity generation from rice husk (RH) using a large dataset of rice milling activities in a fast paced urban transition economy. The study analyzes the viability of several RH biomass electricity generation scenarios using indicators such as net electricity output, economic returns (benefits), and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The results show that several mills/mill clusters generate sufficient daily RH that can power between 0.8 and 2.2 MW plant with a combined electricity output of about 500,000 MWh per annum. The economic analyses show that all RH biomass electricity generation scenarios return positive economic benefits under reduced social discount rates of 2–6%. Moreover, the LCOE of all scenarios are less than those of electricity generated from other sources. These results demonstrate that biomass waste-to-energy generation is viable for green urban development through low-carbon decentralized energy systems. Several policy implications of the findings are highlighted, including the need for policymakers and energy stakeholders to adopt sustainable biomass energy generation models such as “design, build, and operate” (DBO) to achieve sustainable WtE generation regimes that ensure green urban transition. Such a model will contribute to a circular economy and facilitates sustainable urban development that satisfies climate-related SDGs. Graphic abstract

Housing Inclusion Perspective: The Causal Structure of Housing Cost Burden, Fertility Intentions, and Social Housing in Urban China

To address low fertility and enhance urban inclusiveness and sustainability, this study conducted a questionnaire survey in 35 cities in China, systematically collected data on housing inclusiveness and fertility intentions, and used the SEM to analyze the causal relationship between housing costs burden, fertility intentions, and perceived need for social housing. The results show that the housing cost burden has a statistically significant positive (+) effect on the perceived need for social housing and a statistically significant negative (−) effect on fertility intentions, and that fertility intentions have a positive (+) effect on the perceived need for social housing. Notably, the direct effect of the housing cost burden on the perceived need for social housing (0.15) is greater than the total effect of the housing cost burden on the perceived need for social housing mediated by fertility intentions (0.14). This suggests that even when housing costs are high, families who still plan to have children exhibit a greater demand for social housing. Therefore, social housing can positively impact fertility intentions and help reduce housing cost pressures on families. Additionally, actively promoting inclusive housing development will have a significant impact on the sustainable growth of the urban population and economy, making meaningful contributions.

The Impact of Digital Finance on the Efficiency of Urban Green Economy

Digital finance is a new financing model for small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals. In recent years, with the rapid development of big data, cloud service technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it has to some extent promoted the efficient development of urban green economy. From the perspective of applying digital finance to urban enterprises and individual consumers, this study explores the important role of digital finance in enterprise investment and financing services, industrial structure upgrading, technological innovation, and the promotion of personal credit, consumption patterns, job employment, and environmental participation activities. Based on this, the impact of digital finance on the operation and efficiency improvement of urban green economy is obtained, and the problems of inadequate digital transformation and low coordination level in different industries of the city's economy are solved.

Quantitative Analysis of the Future of the Sharing Economy, Housing, White-Collar Labor Markets, and Problems in Big Cities

This research project explores the future of the sharing economy and its profound effects on housing markets, white-collar labor dynamics, and socio-economic challenges in large metropolitan areas. Using quantitative economics and econometric techniques, the study evaluates how platforms such as Airbnb, Uber, and coworking spaces are reshaping urban life, exacerbating housing affordability issues, and altering labor market structures. By analyzing housing market data, labor statistics, and platform economy data from major cities like New York, London, and Istanbul, this research provides empirical insights into how the sharing economy influences urban economic landscapes. The study employs difference-in-differences (DiD) and multivariate regression models to assess causal relationships, particularly in terms of housing market disruptions caused by short-term rental platforms and labor market fragmentation driven by the rise of gig and remote work. Spatial econometric techniques are also used to explore geographic disparities in housing and employment impacts across urban districts. Preliminary findings indicate that the proliferation of sharing economy platforms has contributed to housing shortages and increased prices in central urban areas, while labor markets experience growing polarization, with high-skilled workers benefiting from remote work opportunities and low-skilled gig workers facing economic precarity. This research offers valuable policy insights into the regulation of short-term rentals and the protection of gig economy workers, highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks that address urban inequality and labor market shifts. By integrating data from multiple sources, this study contributes to the academic discourse on urban economics and provides a framework for understanding the long-term socio-economic implications of the sharing economy in big cities.

The impact of pilot policies for low carbon city construction on the development of urban circular economy multiple time-point difference-in-differences model

IntroductionAs a means of environmental regulation, the low-carbon city pilot policy aims to address climate change and alleviate environmental resource pressures in economic development. The development of low-carbon cities often requires changes to the existing industrial and energy structures, which will have a significant impact on the regional economy.MethodsThe study is based on panel data from 273 prefecture level cities in China from 2012 to 2022, and uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Entropy Comprehensive Evaluation Method to construct an evaluation index system for urban circular benefits. Finally, the multiple time point differences model and mediation effect model were used to evaluate the impact and influencing factors of policies on urban economy.ResultsThe results indicate that at the 1% level, the explanatory variable coefficient significantly improves the level of urban circular economy development after adding control variables. The construction of low-carbon pilot cities has improved the performance of circular economy development by about 6.42%. The mediating effect of industrial structure rationalization is significantly positive at the 1% significance level, indicating that the construction of low-carbon pilot cities has greatly promoted the coordinated development of industrial relations within China’s low-carbon development regions.DiscussionIt can be seen that the low-carbon city pilot policy has a significant promoting effect on China’s economic development and the development of urban circular economy. Therefore, it is recommended to further expand the pilot scope of low-carbon cities and fully leverage their promoting role.

Spatiotemporal Pattern Analysis and Prediction of Carbon Storage Based on Land Use and Cover Change: A Case Study of Jiangsu Coastal Cities in China

Accurate estimation of terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage and the scientific formulation of ecological conservation and land use policies are essential for promoting regional low-carbon sustainable development and achieving the goal of “carbon neutrality.” In this study, the FLUS–InVEST model was used to evaluate the carbon stocks of the Jiangsu coastal zone in China from 1995 to 2020 and scientifically forecast the changes in carbon stocks in 2030 under three scenarios: natural exploitation, ecological protection, and economic development. The results are as follows: (1) From 1995 to 2020, carbon storage in the coastal zone initially remained stable before declining, a trend closely linked to the accelerated urbanization and economic growth of Jiangsu Province. (2) By 2030, carbon storage under the three scenarios exhibits a pattern of “S1 decrease–S2 increase–S3 decrease,” with a more significant increase in construction land under the natural development and economic development scenarios compared to the ecological protection scenario. (3) The sensitivity of carbon storage to land use changes varies across scenarios. In the natural development scenario, carbon storage is most affected by forest reduction and construction land expansion. In the ecological protection scenario, it is more responsive to increases in non-construction land. In the economic development scenario, the expansion of construction land leads to the most significant decrease in carbon storage. Therefore, when formulating future territorial spatial planning policies and urban development strategies, it is essential to consider ecological protection and economic development scenarios comprehensively, taking into account carbon sequestration capabilities. This approach will ensure effective conservation and restoration of damaged ecosystems while safeguarding the robust development of urban economies and societies.

The dynamics of indicators of power abilities development in 16-17-year-old boys

The purpose of the research: to reveal changes in indicators of power abilities development in 16-17-year-old boys. Material and methods of the research. The research was carried out based on “Housing and Municipal Professional College of O.M. Beketov Kharkiv National University of Urban Economy”. There were examined 26 students of the 1st and 2nd courses. The level of strength development was determined by three indicators: strength of the shoulder girdle muscles, strength of the abdominal muscles and strength of the hip flexors. The level of development of muscle strength of a shoulder girdle was investigated by means of the motor test “Flexion and extension of arms in a lying down support” (number of times); the level of development of strength of abdominal muscles was investigated by means of the test “Lifting a trunk sitting from a starting position lying on a back for 30 s” (number of times); strength of muscles-flexors of a hip joint and muscles of an abdominal press by means of the test “Holding of legs in a lying position” (s). Results of the research. The initial level of strength development was determined, changes of the obtained indicators were traced, and the analysis in the age aspect was carried out. Conclusions. Boys’ strength development was found to be below average at the beginning of the year. It was determined that the indicators of 17-year-old boys are significantly higher than those of 16-year-old boys. At the end of the year, the level of 16-year-old boys increased from below average to average, while 17-year-old boys showed no significant changes. By age, the trend of differences didn’t change significantly, with a more significant increase in results among boys aged 17.

L’industrie de la seconde main en Ouzbékistan, ébauche d’une économie circulaire urbaine

The goal of this thesis is to highlight the role of practices related to the acquisition, repair, and resell of second-hand goods in shaping the urban circular economy. By using Gibson-Graham’s methodology for reading for difference, we seek here to shed light on the actors and practices of the second-hand industry in Uzbekistan. Partnered with a postcolonial analysis, this method shifts the focus away from the dominant economic narrative centred around the corporation and infinite growth towards more sustainable and ethical ways of living together in urban settings.

The factors influencing waste management for economic development—the perspective of Nelson Mandela bay municipality residents

The rapid increase in volume and variety of solid waste as a result of continuous economic growth, urbanization, and industrialization has become an intractable problem for the public and private sectors, making it difficult to ensure effective and sustainable waste management. The study sought to understand the perspective of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal residents on their perceived influence of municipal waste management on economic development. The study used a quantitative techniques approach, with a structured questionnaire. Data was collected from 255 respondents. The quantitative question aimed to determine if the influence was positive or negative, and the Likert scale question had a scale of 1 to 5. This research identified various types of waste, assessed challenges, and evaluated waste's potential for resource creation. The study concluded that municipal waste includes organic, paper, plastic, metal, glass, food, garden, hazardous, construction, demolition, and non-recyclable waste. Environmental pollution is a major challenge, and 26 factors positively influence waste to wealth. Waste to wealth can be achieved through social behavior, education/knowledge, MSWM governance, and economic feasibility for MSWM. The research also highlighted the importance of land attributes, budget allocation, trained personnel, and government regulations. The framework proposed aims to minimize urban poverty while preserving the environment and supporting the present urban economy. Urban communities can utilize solid waste management as a mechanism to foster economic development. The fundamental question is whether stakeholders will continue to ignore waste's potential demands and benefits for urban economic growth.

The Impact of Real Estate Purchase Restriction Policy on Urban Economic Development—A Case Study of Beijing

Since 2010, Beijing's purchase restriction policy has been adjusted several times to adapt to the market and promote stability. In April 2024, the policy was eased for housing areas outside the Fifth Ring Road, marking the first major adjustment in 13 years. This paper analyses the economic impact of Beijing's real estate purchase restriction policy, focusing on its effect on investment, consumption, industrial structure, and employment. The study indicates that the purchase restriction policy initially hinders investment and consumption in the short term but contributes to market stability and industrial optimization in the long run. The policy change has increased housing sales and growth in related industries outside the Fifth Ring Road, promoting economic development in the suburbs. Furthermore, the policy has a nuanced impact on the employment market, encouraging labor mobility toward high-tech and service industries while affecting employment in real estate-related sectors. The study suggests that policymakers need to consider the impacts of various aspects to ensure the healthy development of the real estate and employment markets.

Exploring the street economy in African cities: A review of practices, regulatory policies, and challenges of urban governance in Ghana

ABSTRACT This paper explores the governance and resilience of the urban street economy in Ghanaian cities as a reflection of the operational features of informality in African cities. The paper draws on a comprehensive review of secondary documents to explore the practices, policy regulation, urban governance challenges, and resilience of the street economy in urban Ghana. Findings show that eviction, relocation, harassment, and merchandise confiscation are the orthodox policy measures by city authorities for managing and regulating street vending. Nevertheless, the street economy continuously reproduces and spatially redistributes itself across the urban landscape, exemplifying its resilience despite state intolerance and repression. The paper concludes by recommending that city authorities embrace street vending, and by extension, urban informality, as a part of Southern urbanism and, therefore, develop more inclusive and less hostile policies to regulate such activities.

First-generation Korean food entrepreneurship: strategies of living with (ethnic) difference in the city

ABSTRACT Based on semi-structured interviews and ethnographic market analysis online and on-site, this study explores strategies of ethnic food entrepreneurship by first-generation Korean migrants in London. The focus is on how urban difference is translated through entrepreneurship into concrete everyday interactions across urban divides, as migrant entrepreneurs engage with urban economies, societies and regulatory frameworks through their enterprises. This empirical focus is driven by an interest in the application of the notion of conviviality as a lens to understand urban interactions of living with difference. We thus deliberately depart from assimilationist and groupist precepts as imposed by the “migrant integration” agenda or multiculturalist approaches ignoring persistent hierarchies of difference. Our contribution is in providing empirical insight into living with difference in the city through the exploration of how difference is translated through the entrepreneurship of a conspicuous and often racialised group of migrant entrepreneurs.

Impact of dual pilot policies for low-carbon and innovative cities on the high-quality development of urban economies

<p style="margin-top:16px; text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Based on the panel data of 276 cities in China from 2005 to 2021, the article used a multi-period double-difference model to explore the impact of the dual-pilot policy of low-carbon cities and innovative cities on the high-quality development of urban economy. The study found that (1) the implementation of the dual-pilot policy significantly had significantly promoted the economic high-quality development of the pilot cities, and the dual-pilot policy had a more significant effect on the enhancement of urban economic high-quality development compared with the single-pilot. (2) The mechanism analysis showed that green technology innovation, industrial structure adjustment and entrepreneurial activity played a mediator role in the impact of the dual-pilot on the high-quality development of the urban economy. (3) The spatial effect showed that the dual-pilot policy not only promoted the high-quality economic development of the region, but also had a positive spillover effect on the high-quality economic development of the neighbouring regions. (4) The heterogeneity analysis showed that the dual-pilot policy promoted the high-quality economic development of the eastern cities, large-scale cities, and non-resource-based cities more strongly.This study enriches the research on the impact of policy synergy on high-quality economic development, and provides references and insights for the effective implementation of dual-pilot policies and the promotion of high-quality urban economic development.</span></span></p>

Air Pollution and Urban Economic Growth: A Study Based on Dynamic Models

<p class="Paragraph"><span lang="EN-US">With China's economic growth, the issue of air pollution has become increasingly prominent. As the core of political and economic development, 184 major cities in China face severe air pollution and significant environmental pressures due to high population density. Consequently, China has established key urban environmental monitoring stations in these cities to monitor pollution emissions in real time. This paper utilizes panel data from 184 Chinese cities spanning 2012-2022 and employs dynamic GMM models, fixed effects models, and mediation effect models to empirically examine the impact of air pollution on urban environmental pollution and its mediation mechanisms. From the perspective of cities with different income levels, a dynamic GMM model is established to determine the correlation between air pollution and various factors influencing urban economic growth. The study finds that air pollution significantly reduces economic growth in Chinese cities at the 1 per cent level, with each unit increase in air pollution reducing economic growth in Chinese cities by 0.84 units. Urbanization and human capital are identified as two crucial channels through which air pollution affects the economic development of Chinese cities. The negative impact of air pollution on economic growth is more pronounced in larger cities compared to smaller ones, and the adverse effects of haze pollution become increasingly significant over time. Therefore, policymakers should take the cultivation and application of new quality productivity as a key strategy to enhance the quality of economic development, and realise a win-win situation between economic growth and environmental protection through scientific and technological innovation and industrial restructuring. This will not only help alleviate the air pollution problem, but also inject new momentum into the high-quality development of China’s economy.</span></p>

Protesting in a different way: minority activism from within the urban economy and politics

ABSTRACT In marginalized communities where traditional political channels are often inaccessible, social movements and protests have emerged as vital platforms for voices seeking to challenge established power structures. This study reveals a compelling shift in recent decades as these neighborhoods undergo economic transformation and gentrification. It uncovers a distinct pattern of activism characterized by the emergence of middle-class ethnic entrepreneurs and business owners who engage in activism from within the urban economy and political systems. This qualitative case study, conducted within a Latino community in the U.S. delves into the activism of this actor, providing a deeper understanding of how this pattern, which both challenges and engages with the system, gives rise to local political conflicts and accusations of ‘class betrayal’, and cooptation. By utilizing a ‘place-based’ mobilization model and examining the interplay between ethnic and class affiliations, this study enriches our understanding of political protests and activism in ethnic/racial communities.

A Phenomenological Study of Street Vending in Downtown Area, Tacloban City

This study investigates street vendors' lived experiences in downtown Tacloban City, Philippines, focusing on their economic contributions, challenges, and coping mechanisms in the informal sector. Street vendors play an important role in urban economies by making goods and services more accessible and affordable, as well as providing livelihood opportunities for people with few job options. Despite their economic importance, street vendors frequently face legal and social challenges, such as harassment and a lack of recognition from the government. Using a phenomenological approach, the study seeks to fill a gap in the literature on the financial practices and capital management techniques of street vendors in Tacloban City. The study looks into the factors that influence the prevalence of street vending, its impact on vendors' livelihoods and well-being, and the strategies vendors use to overcome daily operational challenges. The findings are expected to guide policy interventions aimed at improving the quality of life and economic resilience of street vendors. Amartya Sen's Human Agency Theory, Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory, and Hernando de Soto's Informal Economy Theory all serve as foundations for the analysis. These frameworks provide a thorough understanding of the agency, motivation, and economic dynamics of street vendors. The study's findings are intended to benefit street vendors, policymakers, community initiatives, and future research by fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for urban informal economies.

The consequence of the digital economy on energy efficiency in Chinese provincial and regional contexts: Unleashing the potential

The digital economy, driven by advanced technologies, is becoming a new force for economic growth and sustainable development. This study investigates how the digital economy influences energy efficiency and its spatial spillover effects across 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020 using spatial econometric models and Moran's index analysis. While prior research focused on industrial value and micro-mechanisms, this work examines geographical impacts and regional synergies overlooked previously.The findings reveal urbanization and digital economy growth significantly enhance energy efficiency. However, the effects of economic structure, education, infrastructure development, and patent activity exhibit more nuanced patterns. Notably, the spatial spillover effects of the digital economy on energy efficiency operate through a "market + geographical comprehensive mechanism" rather than direct geographic transmission between neighbors. This study contributes to the literature by uncovering the complex relationships between the digital economy, technological innovation, industrial structure, and energy efficiency while accounting for spatial dynamics. The results underscore the importance of focused policies supporting sustainable energy practices based on regional contexts. By providing insights into the intricate interplay of factors influencing energy efficiency, this research informs strategies for optimizing energy utilization and transitioning towards a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy future aligned with net-zero objectives.

Rethinking the Effects of Smart City Implementation on Industrial Structure Change

Understanding the relationship between smart city implementation (SCI) and industrial structure change is necessary for improving SCI and achieving high-quality development of the urban economy. This study aims to comprehensively investigate how the two core SCI investments—information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and human capital—influence industrial structure. To this end, both SCI investments are measured using composite indexes calculated by the vertical and horizontal scatter degree method, and spatial panel models are applied using data from 156 smart cities in China from 2013 to 2019, classified according to their economic development level and population density. The results show that industrial structure upgrading produces positive spatial spillover effects and that the impacts of SCI investments on industrial structure change vary in different city classifications. Overall, ICT infrastructure promotes the upgrading of industrial structure, while human capital hinders industrial development due to human capital mismatch. Mechanism analysis shows that SCI investments can influence industrial structure through technological innovation and consumption upgrading. Moreover, policy implications are proposed to promote industrial structure upgrading for effective future SCI.