Evaluating the Impact of Urban Digital Infrastructure on Land Use Efficiency Based on 279 Cities in China

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Overall Recommendation: Strong recommendation for acceptance.

This article appears to be a well-written and important contribution to the study of urban digital infrastructure and its impact on land use efficiency. Here are the key strengths of the article:

• Focus on a critical topic: The exploration of the link between digital infrastructure and land use efficiency is highly relevant to modern urban planning.
• Large-scale data analysis: Utilizing data from 279 Chinese cities provides a robust foundation for the research.

Suggested Improvements:

To further strengthen the article, the authors could consider the following additions:

1. Define Land Use Efficiency: It would be beneficial to define "land use efficiency" at the outset. This will ensure clarity for readers with varying backgrounds in urban planning. Consider providing a concise explanation of how you are measuring this concept in your study.

2. Justification for Time Period: Briefly explain why the timeframe of 2006 to 2019 was chosen for this study. Was there a specific event or development in digital infrastructure within this period that influenced your decision? Providing context will help readers understand the significance of the chosen timeframe.

By incorporating these minor revisions, the authors can further enhance the clarity and impact of their research.

Additional Comments:

The strong recommendation for acceptance is based on the overall quality and potential impact of the study. The suggested revisions can be easily addressed and will further strengthen the article for publication.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

We are deeply grateful for your recognition of our work. Your constructive feedback has been instrumental in refining our manuscript. We have carefully considered each of your insights and incorporated necessary revisions throughout the document. In the sections that follow, we have meticulously addressed each of your comments, ensuring that our responses align with the sequence presented in the reviewers' report. Our revisions, highlighted in blue, and our detailed responses, marked in red, are delineated for ease of reference. Revisions within the manuscript are marked as yellow. Our point-by-point responses to the reviewers’ comments are listed below.

 

Response to Reviewer #1

Reviewer #1: Strong recommendation for acceptance.

This article appears to be a well-written and important contribution to the study of urban digital infrastructure and its impact on land use efficiency. Here are the key strengths of the article:

Focus on a critical topic: The exploration of the link between digital infrastructure and land use efficiency is highly relevant to modern urban planning.

Large-scale data analysis: Utilizing data from 279 Chinese cities provides a robust foundation for the research.

 

Response: We appreciate your guidance and the chance to enhance the quality of our work. In response to your recommendations, we have meticulously revised the entire manuscript. We believe that these changes address your concerns effectively and are now eager for your final assessment.

 

1. Define Land Use Efficiency: It would be beneficial to define "land use efficiency" at the outset. This will ensure clarity for readers with varying backgrounds in urban planning. Consider providing a concise explanation of how you are measuring this concept in your study.

 

Response: Thank you for your insightful comments. We recognize the importance of defining key terms such as land use efficiency early in the paper to establish clarity and set a solid foundation for our research discussion. In the forthcoming revision, we will incorporate a precise definition within the introduction. The explanation of how we are measuring this concept is added in manuscript as shown below:

 

During the period from 1950 to 2019, the world experienced a substantial surge in its urban populace, escalating from 750 million to nearly 4.2 billion individuals. This trend reflects an era of profound urbanization that has unfolded over seven decades. It is projected that by the year 2050, the global urban population will exceed 6 billion, with an urbanization rate surpassing 70% [1]. In this context, the judicious allocation and management of land—a finite and indispensable natural asset—emerge as pivotal factors in propelling sustainable development and meeting the escalating demands of urban areas [2]. Land use efficiency is thus imperative for accommodating the expanding needs of urban populations while preserving ecological integrity and fostering economic growth.

Land use efficiency is a critical measure of how effectively land is utilized to generate economic activity. This metric has a direct bearing on the overall quality and sustainability of urban development. As cities expand rapidly, there is often a concomitant increase in the misallocation and waste of land resources, which can result in suboptimal land use efficiency. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the sprawling patterns of urban growth that frequently characterize developing economies, where the pressure to accommodate a burgeoning population and industrial activities leads to the haphazard conversion of agricultural and natural landscapes into urban spaces.

 

2. Justification for Time Period: Briefly explain why the timeframe of 2006 to 2019 was chosen for this study. Was there a specific event or development in digital infrastructure within this period that influenced your decision? Providing context will help readers understand the significance of the chosen timeframe.

Response: Thank you for valuable comments. To enhance the clarity of our research, we added a comprehensive explanation within the final section of our research design, detailing why we selected the period from 2006 to 2019 for our analysis. This explanation can assist readers in grasping the reasoning behind our chosen timeframe and recognizing its relevance to our study. The added explanations in main text as shown below:

 

 

The study employs panel data encompassing 279 cities at the prefecture level and above across China, spanning the years 2004 to 2019. Given that the Broadband China policy was enacted from 2014 to 2016, this study covers this interval to evaluate the policy's effects on land use efficiency. Furthermore, the inclusion of data up to 2019 allows for the examination of land use trends in the context of broader socioeconomic changes, including the unprecedented influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby providing a more holistic understanding of land use dynamics in China. Data on urban construction land area, economic, social, and other aspects are sourced from databases such as "China Urban Construction Statistical Yearbook", "China Urban Statistical Yearbook", "China Statistical Yearbook", etc. PM2.5 data is sourced from the Social Economic Data and Application Center at Columbia University in the United States. Land use efficiency is calculated based on collected existing data. Missing data for some variables are filled by referring to various city statistical yearbooks or using linear interpolation method, and cities with severe missing data for individual variables are excluded.

 

 

3. The strong recommendation for acceptance is based on the overall quality and potential impact of the study. The suggested revisions can be easily addressed and will further strengthen the article for publication.

Response: Thank you very much for kind comments. We carefully consider the suggestions you have provided and make revisions accordingly to further enhance the quality of the article and ensure it meets the publication requirements. Once again, we appreciate your support and guidance, and we look forward to the final review results.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I basically have only a few comments about the scientific study.

Authors tend to pay attention to quantitative t. j. mathematical-statistical methods of investigation and others, even if only basic scientific methods of investigation somehow remain behind the door. Even the basic scientific research methods used, such as analysis, synthesis, description, comparison, deserve some attention. Authors such as:

Peráček T, Srebalová M. & Srebala A. (2022). The Valuation of Land in Land Consolidation and Relevant Administrative Procedures in the Conditions of the Slovak Republic. Administrative Sciences. 12 (4):174. doi:10.3390/admsci12040174

The total number of references in the number is insufficient due to the scope of the scientific study. In my opinion, it would be appropriate to expand them in order to increase the scientific value of the study and strengthen the second part in particular by works such as:

Fedchyshyn, D and Ignatenko, I. 2018. Protection of land ownership of foreigners in Ukraine. JURIDICAL TRIBUNE-TRIBUNA JURIDICA 8 (SI), pp.27-38

Precious SIHLANGU & Kola O. ODEKU. 2021. EXPLORING THE INTRINSIC ROLES OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FOSTERING REDISTRIBUTED LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SOUTH AFRICA. Perspectives of Law and Public Administration, 10, (SI), pp. 32-41, available at: https://adjuris.ro/revista/articole/An10se/3.%20Kola%20O.%20Odeku.pdf

The protection of the uniqueness of land in the context of uncontrollable construction in the environment of the world economy were, are and will be areas that are strictly regulated by the legal order of each state. This protection will become more and more strict due to the deterioration of the environment.

For this reason, I consider it necessary to process the legal side of the matter as well, and the resources suggested by me should also serve the authors for this purpose. In addition to them, it is necessary for the authors to verify the claimed facts with the currently valid laws. The proposed three current sources would suitably strengthen the theoretical part of the manuscript and would bring a different perspective on the matter.

At the end, improve clear answers to established research questions and hypotheses (rejection or confirmation). In the last chapter, you appropriately paid attention to future research, but also emphasize the limits of this study.

I also recommend explaining the data collection. In the tables, indicate whether it is your own data or taken over, or whether it is self-processing ....

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

 

We are pleased to recognize your esteemed recognition of our article. The multitude of constructive suggestions you have offered has been instrumental in significantly improving our manuscript. We have meticulously reviewed these insights and recommendations, and as a result, have made corresponding revisions to our work. Herein, we address each comment in the sequence, providing detailed responses (highlighted in red) and modifications (marked in blue) and outlining the changes made. Our detailed responses are outlined in the section below.

 

Response to Reviewer #2

1. Authors tend to pay attention to quantitative t. j. mathematical-statistical methods of investigation and others, even if only basic scientific methods of investigation somehow remain behind the door. Even the basic scientific research methods used, such as analysis, synthesis, description, comparison, deserve some attention. Authors such as:

 

Peráček T, Srebalová M. & Srebala A. (2022). The Valuation of Land in Land Consolidation and Relevant Administrative Procedures in the Conditions of the Slovak Republic. Administrative Sciences. 12 (4):174. doi:10.3390/admsci12040174

 

Response: Thank you for your valuable input. It is important to strike a balance between quantitative, mathematical-statistical methods and fundamental scientific investigation techniques like analysis, synthesis, description, and comparison like you mentioned. In my revised manuscript, we have incorporated a diverse array of scientific research methods to maintain both thoroughness and methodological integrity. Additionally, we have critically assessed the pertinent literature you mentioned. Once again, We appreciate your valuable feedback and guidance. The rewritten part in manuscript as shown below:

 

 

2.1.2 Research on the Effects of land use efficiency

 

Land use refers to the human management and alteration of natural landscapes for various purposes, including agriculture, forestry, urban development, and other activities [17]. Due to its finite nature and the growing demand for land resources, particularly in regions facing land scarcity, there is a pressing need to optimize land use efficiency [18]. Enhancing land use efficiency involves employing strategies and practices that maximize the productivity and sustainability of land resources, ensuring that the available land can support multiple uses while preserving ecological balance and promoting economic growth. Improving land use efficiency is essential for meeting the food security needs of a growing population, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and conserving biodiversity.

 

17.Peráček, T.; Srebalová, M.; Srebala, A. The Valuation of Land in Land Consolidation and Relevant Administrative Procedures in the Conditions of the Slovak Republic. Adm. Sci. 2022, 12, 174.

 

 

Urban areas, as evidenced by the data presented in Table 3, exhibit considerable variation in land use efficiency, with an average of 0.294. The disparity is further highlighted by the extreme values of 0.754 and 0.065, suggesting that some urban centers are highly efficient in their land utilization, while others lag behind considerably. The standard deviation of 0.144 reflects this wide spread, indicating a high degree of variability in land use efficiency among the sampled urban areas. Similarly, the digital infrastructure, represented by the index 'rd', displays a range from a maximum of 0.097 to a minimum of -0.002, with a median of 0.014. These figures reveal a mixed landscape of digital infrastructure development within the urban context, with some cities showing substantial investment and advancement, and others showing negligible progress or even decline. Both sets of statistics underscore the heterogeneity in resource allocation and development priorities across different urban locales, which could be influenced by a variety of factors, including economic policies, technological capabilities, population density, and governance structures. The descriptive statistics for additional variables correspond with findings from previous studies.

 

In Table 4, the regression results without adding control variables are depicted in column (1), while the effects of incrementally incorporating control variables are displayed across columns (2) to (6). The table reveals that irrespective of the number of control variables included or their absence, the regression coefficient for "dige" remains consistently and significantly positive. This suggests that urban digital infrastructure exerts a substantial positive influence on land use efficiency. The findings presented in Table 4 affirm the substantial and significant effect of urban digital infrastructure on land use efficiency.

 

2. The total number of references in the number is insufficient due to the scope of the scientific study. In my opinion, it would be appropriate to expand them in order to increase the scientific value of the study and strengthen the second part in particular by works such as:

 

Fedchyshyn, D and Ignatenko, I. 2018. Protection of land ownership of foreigners in Ukraine. JURIDICAL TRIBUNE-TRIBUNA JURIDICA 8 (SI), pp.27-38

 

Precious SIHLANGU & Kola O. ODEKU. 2021. EXPLORING THE INTRINSIC ROLES OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FOSTERING REDISTRIBUTED LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SOUTH AFRICA. Perspectives of Law and Public Administration, 10, (SI), pp. 32-41, available at: https://adjuris.ro/revista/articole/An10se/3.%20Kola%20O.%20Odeku.pdf

 

The protection of the uniqueness of land in the context of uncontrollable construction in the environment of the world economy were, are and will be areas that are strictly regulated by the legal order of each state. This protection will become more and more strict due to the deterioration of the environment. For this reason, I consider it necessary to process the legal side of the matter as well, and the resources suggested by me should also serve the authors for this purpose. In addition to them, it is necessary for the authors to verify the claimed facts with the currently valid laws. The proposed three current sources would suitably strengthen the theoretical part of the manuscript and would bring a different perspective on the matter.

 

Response: We are deeply grateful for your insightful comments. In the updated manuscript, we have expanded our reference list, notably by incorporating very inspired studies you suggested, to bolster the scientific rigor and enhance the substantive depth of our research. Furthermore, in the concluding segment of the research design, we have elucidated the rationale behind selecting the 2006 to 2019 timeframe for our analysis. Adding this clarification enhances readers' comprehension of our selection criteria for the timeframe and underscores its relevance. Thank you once more for your valuable advice and assistance. The rewritten part in manuscript as shown below:

 

Introduction part:

During the period from 1950 to 2019, the world experienced a substantial surge in its urban populace, escalating from 750 million to nearly 4.2 billion individuals. This trend reflects an era of profound urbanization that has unfolded over seven decades. It is projected that by the year 2050, the global urban population will exceed 6 billion, with an urbanization rate surpassing 70% [1]. In this context, the judicious allocation and management of land—a finite and indispensable natural asset—emerge as pivotal factors in propelling sustainable development and meeting the escalating demands of urban areas [2]. Land use efficiency is thus imperative for accommodating the expanding needs of urban populations while preserving ecological integrity and fostering economic growth. Land use efficiency is a critical measure of how effectively land is utilized to generate economic activity. This metric has a direct bearing on the overall quality and sustainability of urban development. As cities expand rapidly, there is often a concomitant increase in the misallocation and waste of land resources, which can result in suboptimal land use efficiency [3]. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the sprawling patterns of urban growth that frequently characterize developing economies, where the pressure to accommodate a burgeoning population and industrial activities leads to the haphazard conversion of agricultural and natural landscapes into urban spaces. Therefore, enhancing land use efficiency has become more urgent than ever before.

 

The study employs panel data encompassing 279 cities at the prefecture level and above across China, spanning the years 2004 to 2019. Given that the Broadband China policy was enacted from 2014 to 2016, this study covers this interval to evaluate the policy's effects on land use efficiency. Furthermore, the inclusion of data up to 2019 allows for the examination of land use trends in the context of broader socioeconomic changes, including the unprecedented influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby providing a more holistic understanding of land use dynamics in China. Data on urban construction land area, economic, social, and other aspects were sourced from databases such as the "China Urban Construction Statistical Yearbook," "China Urban Statistical Yearbook," and "China Statistical Yearbook." PM2.5 data were obtained from the Social Economic Data and Application Center at Columbia University in the United States. Land use efficiency was calculated based on collected existing data using the DEA method. Missing data for some variables were filled by referring to various city statistical yearbooks or using the linear interpolation method, and cities with severe missing data for individual variables were excluded.

 

Land is a fundamental resource vital to human existence and progress, ranking among the most precious assets. Its usage is safeguarded by stringent legal regulations. Efficient land management and the enhancement of land use efficiency are critical not only in satisfying societal demands for habitation, industrial output, and daily life but also in preserving the ecological balance and advancing sustainable economic growth. Consequently, fortifying land use efficiency is of utmost importance.

 

Land resources are an essential foundation for human survival and development, making them one of the most valuable resources. The use of land is strictly protected by law. Effectively utilizing land resources and improving land use efficiency can not only meet people's needs for housing, production, and living but also protect the ecological environment and promote sustainable economic development. Enhancing land use efficiency is imperative and necessitates collaborative endeavors from governments, corporations, and civil society. These stakeholders must work together to formulate and enact comprehensive policies and legislation aimed at ensuring the prudent utilization and conservation of land resources. Drawing upon the insights gleaned from the aforementioned research findings, this study presents several key observations.

 

3. At the end, improve clear answers to established research questions and hypotheses (rejection or confirmation). In the last chapter, you appropriately paid attention to future research, but also emphasize the limits of this study.

Response: Thank you very much for your valuable feedback. In the revised version, we have refined our manuscript, offering clear and definitive responses to the research questions and hypotheses posited in the sections titled "Analysis of Empirical Results," "Mechanism Analysis," and "Heterogeneity Analysis," which are found in the fourth, fifth, and sixth chapters, respectively. Furthermore, in the concluding chapter, we underscore the significance of future investigations and explicitly acknowledge the limitations of our current study to ensure transparency and foster further scholarly discourse. The rewritten part in manuscript as shown below:

This study has some limitations. Firstly, due to constraints in data acquisition, the construction of indicators for land use efficiency is not perfect. In future research, we will keep pace with the times and improve these indicators by incorporating the latest studies. Secondly, regarding the influencing mechanisms, this study only considers factors from the production side, such as technological progress and industrial structure. In the future, we will expand our analysis to encompass both production and consumption dimensions, thereby gaining a more nuanced understanding of the influence exerted by urban digital infrastructure on land use efficiency. Moreover, as we collectively transition into the digital economy era, the role of urban digital infrastructure in shaping both our production methods and lifestyle choices is becoming increasingly prominent.

4. I also recommend explaining the data collection. In the tables, indicate whether it is your own data or taken over, or whether it is self-processing ....

Response: Thank you for valuable comments. We have carefully considered your advice regarding the clarification of our data collection process and have addressed this by providing comprehensive explanations within the article. In the concluding segment of Part Three, we meticulously identify the origins of our data, specifying whether it was gathered directly by us, sourced from external repositories, or subjected to self-processing. The rewritten part in manuscript as shown below: 

The study employs panel data encompassing 279 cities at the prefecture level and above across China, spanning the years 2004 to 2019. Given that the Broadband China policy was enacted from 2014 to 2016, this study covers this interval to evaluate the policy's effects on land use efficiency. Furthermore, the inclusion of data up to 2019 allows for the examination of land use trends in the context of broader socioeconomic changes, including the unprecedented influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby providing a more holistic understanding of land use dynamics in China. Data on urban construction land area, economic, social, and other aspects were sourced from databases such as the "China Urban Construction Statistical Yearbook," "China Urban Statistical Yearbook," and "China Statistical Yearbook." PM2.5 data were obtained from the Social Economic Data and Application Center at Columbia University in the United States. Land use efficiency was calculated based on collected existing data using the DEA method. Missing data for some variables were filled by referring to various city statistical yearbooks or using the linear interpolation method, and cities with severe missing data for individual variables were excluded.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors,

I am glad that you made the recommended changes to your article, which increased not only its scientific value but also its importance for practical application.

Based on these facts, I recommend the manuscript for publication.

Sincerely,                        Reviewer