Sustainability

2023

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27 pages, 1454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Population Aging and Urban–Rural Residents’ Consumption Habits from a Spatial Spillover Perspective: Evidence from China

by Xiao Shao and Yuanshuai Yang

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16353; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316353 - 28 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2942

Abstract

The issue of population aging and imbalanced urban–rural development are two major economic realities and difficulties in China. They constitute important factors affecting the sustainable development of urban and rural areas. The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of [...] Read more.

The issue of population aging and imbalanced urban–rural development are two major economic realities and difficulties in China. They constitute important factors affecting the sustainable development of urban and rural areas. The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of population aging on the consumption levels of urban and rural residents, including overall and subdivided. The secondary objective is to analyze whether this impact has spatial spillover effects so that the bias caused by ignoring the mutual influence between regions could be eliminated. We used global and local Moran’s I, the spatial SLM model, and the SEM model to econometrically analyze the provincial panel data of urban and rural areas obtained from 2010 to 2021. This study found that, first, the distributions of the total consumption and population aging levels of Chinese urban and rural areas are not random and all have obvious spatial dependence characteristics. More specifically, all distributions present significant H-H or L-L clustering phenomena in local space. In other words, high-level areas are surrounded by high-level areas, while low-level areas are surrounded by low-level areas. Second, population aging has a significant negative impact on the overall consumption levels of urban residents and positively increases the consumption level of rural residents, which indicates that population aging will eliminate the urban–rural consumption gap and balance regional economic development to a certain extent. Third, from the perspective of consumption structure, the negative impact of population aging on different consumption expenditure items of urban residents varies, and the effect on various consumption expenditure items of rural residents also shows heterogeneity. Fourth, in terms of the spatial spillover effect, the influence of population aging on the consumption level of urban residents has a significant negative spatial spillover effect; however, in the rural group, the spatial spillover effect caused by the population aging level on the consumption level is not significant. This study provides a new spatial perspective for studying aging and urban–rural consumption inequality behavior, and serves as a reference for the government to further promote the sustainable development of urban–rural consumption in the future. Full article

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16 pages, 4668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agriculture and the Bioeconomy: A Socioeconomic Analysis of Central and Eastern European Countries

by Laura Mariana Cismaș, Emilia Mary Bălan, Cristina Georgiana Zeldea, Marioara Iordan and Cristian Mihai Cismaș

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 16082; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152216082 - 18 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1230

Abstract

The bioeconomy is a complex and increasingly relevant field, and agriculture represents an essential sector for its development. The bioeconomy presents an opportunity for sustainable agriculture that is beneficial for the environment and public health, both globally and particularly for nations with centralized [...] Read more.

The bioeconomy is a complex and increasingly relevant field, and agriculture represents an essential sector for its development. The bioeconomy presents an opportunity for sustainable agriculture that is beneficial for the environment and public health, both globally and particularly for nations with centralized agricultural systems, such as the former socialist Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). This article takes a novel approach to investigate the bioeconomic indicators in CEECs’ agriculture. It combines the hierarchical grouping method with an index based on socioeconomic indicators specific to the bioeconomy. It aims to find how the selected countries performed in terms of agriculture indicators. The socioeconomic indicator analysis showed that some countries had more linear evolutions than others, while some of them clearly outperformed the average of the region. The cluster analysis divided the countries into three relevant groups. The findings revealed patterns of convergence, but also important differences in the region. These results strengthen the scientific basis for the creation of agricultural bioeconomy strategies and argue for the need of the active engagement of all BIOEAST members in the initiative. We argue that agricultural architectures in Central and Eastern European countries are not just determined by employment circumstances or the extent of agricultural areas, but also by the dynamics of the value of the indicators. Full article

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13 pages, 1183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accessibility of Public Sector Institutions for People with Special Needs in Polish Regions

by Marcin Janusz, Marek Piotrowski, Emilia Kwiatkowska, Mariola Grzybowska-Brzezińska and Kamil Maciuk

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 15842; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215842 - 10 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1269

Abstract

Social inclusion is one of the important conditions for sustainable socio-economic development. However, one of the paths leading to social inclusion is to ensure a high level of accessibility of institutions for people with special needs. The study described in the present paper [...] Read more.

Social inclusion is one of the important conditions for sustainable socio-economic development. However, one of the paths leading to social inclusion is to ensure a high level of accessibility of institutions for people with special needs. The study described in the present paper examined the accessibility of Polish public sector bodies based on data from government reports (comprehensive study). Accessibility is a feature that should be offered as a complementary service offered to both individuals and legal entities during epidemic emergencies and beyond. The limited accessibility of public institutions is a significant obstacle to the full well-being of the population. Indicating differences in the spatial dispersion of this phenomenon in Poland was the basis for undertaking research for this article. Three areas of accessibility were tested: physical (architectural) accessibility, digital (web) accessibility, and ICT accessibility. A synthetic measure of accessibility was constructed for the study and used to rank Polish voivodeships (provinces, NUTS 2) from highest to lowest. Clustering was used to identify similar regions. The highest- and lowest-scoring regions were the Mazowieckie voivodeship (capital city—Warsaw) and the Podkarpackie voivodeship (capital city—Rzeszów), respectively. Legal accessibility requirements are the biggest driver of further accessibility improvements for voivodeships. Full article

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14 pages, 1189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Role of Socio-Cultural Factors on the Development of Human Capital in Multi-Ethnic Regions

by Maksim Vlasov, Sergey N. Polbitsyn, Michael Olumekor and Hossam Haddad

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15438; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115438 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3378

Abstract

Human capital is among the most important factors for sustainable economic growth. However, there remains some debate on the factors promoting or inhibiting its development. This research attempts to put socio-cultural factors at the front of this debate. Using econometric models, we exploratively [...] Read more.

Human capital is among the most important factors for sustainable economic growth. However, there remains some debate on the factors promoting or inhibiting its development. This research attempts to put socio-cultural factors at the front of this debate. Using econometric models, we exploratively test the influence of a raft of social and cultural variables on human capital development in multi-ethnic regions of Russia. We found that factors such as marriage, divorce, life expectancy, accessibility to education and healthcare, and attitude towards tourism all influence human capital to varying degrees. Domestic tourism, including museum and theatre visits were particularly impactful. We argue that cultural knowledge and exchange can promote socio-cultural harmony in multi-ethnic regions which can contribute to the region’s human capital development. By exploring the impact of socio-cultural factors, we hope to lead towards a holistic understanding of sustainable human capital development. Full article

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24 pages, 1767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Resilience and Sustainable Finance Path to Development and Convergence in Romanian Counties

by Oana Oprisan, Speranta Pirciog, Alina Elena Ionascu, Cristina Lincaru and Adriana Grigorescu

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14221; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914221 - 26 Sep 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1748

Abstract

Economic resilience and sustainable finance are two interlinked and crucial issues for development and convergence in Romania’s counties increasing cohesion. These issues can contribute to sustainable and balanced growth of local and regional economies and to the reduction of inequalities in regional development. [...] Read more.

Economic resilience and sustainable finance are two interlinked and crucial issues for development and convergence in Romania’s counties increasing cohesion. These issues can contribute to sustainable and balanced growth of local and regional economies and to the reduction of inequalities in regional development. Economic resilience in counties refers to their capacity to adapt and survive in the face of unforeseen economic shocks or challenges, and sustainable finance refers to ensuring responsible management of financial resources to support long-term development and protect the environment. Identifying and understanding the significant variations in economic resilience and sustainable financing between counties is essential for the formulation of regional development policies and strategies. These variations provide valuable information about the vulnerabilities and opportunities of individual counties and guide resource allocation and investment decisions. The research provides new data and relevant information on the significant variations among counties in economic resilience and sustainable financing, using a Markov transition probability matrix and exploratory–visual method. This study on Romanian counties aims to provide valuable information for the formulation of public policies to support balanced economic development across the country. The results showed that economic diversification is essential to increase the resilience of the economy to shocks and fluctuations. Counties that have a diversified economic structure, with multiple sources of income and economic activities, are less vulnerable to the negative impact of economic or natural events. Governance and political stability are key factors in creating a favorable environment for investment and economic development. Well-managed government policies can help maintain macroeconomic stability and increase the resilience of the economy to external fluctuations. Full article

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15 pages, 806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Natural Disasters on Household Income and Expenditure Inequality in China

by Weiwei Wang and Yifan Zhao

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13813; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813813 - 16 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2138

Abstract

Natural disasters have been demonstrated to cause devastating effects on economic and social development in China, but little is known about the relationship between natural disasters and income at the household level. This study explores the impact of natural disasters on household income, [...] Read more.

Natural disasters have been demonstrated to cause devastating effects on economic and social development in China, but little is known about the relationship between natural disasters and income at the household level. This study explores the impact of natural disasters on household income, expenditure, and inequality in China as the first study of this nature for the country. The empirical analysis is conducted based on a unique panel dataset that contains six waves of the Chinese Household Income Project (CHIP) survey data over the 1988–2018 period, data on natural disasters, and other social and economic status of households. By employing the fixed effects models, we find that disasters increase contemporaneous levels of income inequality, and disasters that occurred in the previous year significantly increase expenditure inequality. Natural disasters increase operating income inequality but decrease transfer income inequality. Poor households are found to be more vulnerable to disasters and suffer significant income losses. However, there is no evidence to suggest that natural disasters significantly reduce the income of upper- and middle-income groups. These findings have important implications for policies aimed at poverty alleviation and revenue recycling, as they can help improve economic justice and enhance resilience to natural disasters. Full article

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16 pages, 1020 KiB

Open AccessReview

Circularity, Garment Durability, and Just Transition: Understanding the Trinary Interrelationship through an Integrative Literature Review

by Hester Vanacker, Andrée-Anne Lemieux, Sophie Bonnier, Margaux Yost and Shanon Poupard

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11993; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511993 - 4 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2306

Abstract

Large quantities of second-hand clothing have been exported from the Global North to the Global South in recent decades, placing a heavy social and environmental burden on local communities. Consequently, countries in the Global South are leveraging indigenous craftsmanship through various practices, such [...] Read more.

Large quantities of second-hand clothing have been exported from the Global North to the Global South in recent decades, placing a heavy social and environmental burden on local communities. Consequently, countries in the Global South are leveraging indigenous craftsmanship through various practices, such as care, repair, and upcycling, to enable durability and extend product life, saving millions of garments from landfills. However, this knowledge is not included in global narratives on durability and the circular economy. Moreover, the Global North dominates the conversation, often leaving out the social dimension and risking a circular transition from achieving important goals such as decent jobs to reducing the unequal distribution of negative environmental and social impacts. This study examines the trinary interrelationship between circularity, garment durability, and just transition through an integrative literature review. The review revealed several key findings. Firstly, the authors posit that garment durability is an ongoing interaction between the garment and its changing environment(s) and user(s), enabling it to move through different life cycles via the practices of care, mending, and repair. Secondly, all three concepts must place people at the heart of the fashion industry to ensure a just and circular transition. Full article

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22 pages, 950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Global Value Chain Upgrading Promote Regional Economic Growth? Empirical Evidence and Mechanism Analysis Based on City-Level Panel Data in China

by Can Li, Qi He and Han Ji

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11732; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511732 - 29 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2379

Abstract

Since launching its reforms and opening up, China has actively integrated itself into global value chains (GVCs) and experienced continuous growth. However, there exists a significant imbalance between GVC upgrading and economic growth across regions in China. Can GVC upgrading promote economic growth [...] Read more.

Since launching its reforms and opening up, China has actively integrated itself into global value chains (GVCs) and experienced continuous growth. However, there exists a significant imbalance between GVC upgrading and economic growth across regions in China. Can GVC upgrading promote economic growth at the regional level? Despite the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence provided at the national level, research on GVC upgrading at the subnational level remains limited. This study constructs a temporal indicator to measure GVC upgrading at the finest subnational level, including cities at the prefecture level and above, and employs panel fixed effects (FE) and mediation models to examine the impact and mechanism of GVC upgrading on regional economic growth, aiming for a meaningful exploration in this area. The results show that GVC upgrading has a significant positive effect on regional economic growth with robust performance. Specifically, a 1-standard-deviation improvement in GVC upgrading leads to a 0.054-standard-deviation increase in the logarithm of per capita gross domestic product (GDP). Heterogeneity analysis shows that the promotion effect is more pronounced in coastal areas and administrative centers. Mechanism analysis indicates that GVC upgrading promotes regional economic growth by facilitating capital accumulation, promoting technological progress, and enhancing human resources, among which, facilitating capital accumulation plays the most significant role, accounting for over 70% of the economic growth effects associated with GVC upgrading. Thus, China should create an enabling environment for promoting GVC upgrading, enhance capital accumulation, foster regional innovation systems, improve the quality of human capital, and promote domestic market integration. Full article

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21 pages, 1061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Low-Carbon Pilot Cities on the Development of Digital Economy: Empirical Evidence from 284 Cities in China

by Hongfeng Zhang, Xiangjiang Ding and Yue Liu

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10392; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310392 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

The launch of the low-carbon city pilot policy is of great significance to promoting China’s economic structural transformation, especially for the development of the digital economy. This paper took the low-carbon city pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment. By matching the panel data [...] Read more.

The launch of the low-carbon city pilot policy is of great significance to promoting China’s economic structural transformation, especially for the development of the digital economy. This paper took the low-carbon city pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment. By matching the panel data of 284 cities in China from 2007 to 2020, this paper studied the impact of the low-carbon pilot cities on the development of the digital economy by using the differences-in-differences(DID) method. The results show the following: (1) The low-carbon city pilot policy significantly promoted the development of the digital economy in the pilot areas, and the promotion effect was the most significant in the eastern region and the pilot areas of non-resource-based cities. (2) Through a mechanism analysis, it was found that government intervention and human capital play a mediating role between low-carbon pilot cities and digital economy development, while the mediating effect of industrial structure upgrading was not verified in this paper. (3) The mechanism of action is also heterogeneous in different regions; that is, the magnitude and direction of action vary across regions. This paper attempts to provide theoretical support for the green and sustainable development of the Chinese economy. Full article

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29 pages, 5269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioeconomy in Romania: Investigating Farmers’ Knowledge

by Emilia Mary Balan and Cristina Georgiana Zeldea

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 7883; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15107883 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1831

Abstract

The approach of studying the perceptions of Romanian farmers regarding the bioeconomy brings an element of novelty, and the study intends to add value to works in the field. The literature regarding the attitudes of farmers towards the adoption of new bioeconomic practices [...] Read more.

The approach of studying the perceptions of Romanian farmers regarding the bioeconomy brings an element of novelty, and the study intends to add value to works in the field. The literature regarding the attitudes of farmers towards the adoption of new bioeconomic practices is quite limited at the European level and even more so in Romania. However, Romania’s agricultural potential is recognized nationally and internationally. This article aimed to explore the attitudes of Romanian farmers towards the bioeconomy and to take a step forward in determining a set of scientific actions necessary for the initiation of a national strategy dedicated to the bioeconomy. The quantitative research presented is based on a comprehensive survey. The analysis revealed the role of the bioeconomy in agricultural activities and the expectations of respondents in relation to the main aspects addressed by the concept of bioeconomy. The findings pointed out the contribution of Romanian public institutions in explaining and promoting this complex phenomenon to agricultural workers. The results led to three main conclusions: (i) farmers’ attitudes towards the bioeconomy are generally positive, although their knowledge is limited; (ii) public authorities are not sufficiently involved in supporting and promoting the bioeconomy; (iii) the bioeconomy is underfinanced at the national level. The findings draw attention to a great investment potential in the agricultural field that could foster job creation and regional development in Romania. A closer collaboration between researchers, decision-makers, local authorities, and farmers as well as the expansion of technological research are the conditions needed for the development of the bioeconomy in the agriculture of Romania. Full article

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14 pages, 789 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Public Support for the Flat-Rate Personal Income Tax in a Post-Communist Context: The Case of Romania

by Andrei Gheorghiță

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7576; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097576 - 5 May 2023

Viewed by 1729

Abstract

The overall landscape of personal income taxation (PIT) has changed rapidly in numerous post-communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with the adoption of a form of flat-rate tax. Although the economic consequences of this change have been studied extensively, little is [...] Read more.

The overall landscape of personal income taxation (PIT) has changed rapidly in numerous post-communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with the adoption of a form of flat-rate tax. Although the economic consequences of this change have been studied extensively, little is known about public opinion on the topic in these countries. This article aims to shed some light on how public opinion addresses the issue of flat-rate PIT in Romania. Logistic regression analysis is used to assess the impact of self-interest, education, age, gender, ideology, political trust, social solidarity, and political knowledge on public support for flat-rate PIT, based on survey data (N = 1105) from the Romanian Election Study (RES). The results suggest that high-income earners, women, and those with higher levels of political trust are more likely to support flat-rate PIT, while higher levels of social solidarity and more education increase the chances of being reluctant about it. Furthermore, the analysis finds no evidence that age, ideology, or political knowledge have an influence on people’s fiscal preferences. The article’s findings provide lessons for policymakers on how fiscal preferences arise and may evolve in a post-communist context, particularly in relation to recurring societal crises. Full article

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32 pages, 5706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Direct Taxation on Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence Based on Panel Data Regression Analysis at the Level of Eu Countries

by Narciz Balasoiu, Iulian Chifu and Marian Oancea

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7146; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097146 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 15511

Abstract

Through fiscal policy, the government can influence businesses and individuals in order to regulate their behaviour. The research used panel data from all 27 EU countries covering the period 2008–2020 to investigate the impact of direct taxation on economic growth at the level [...] Read more.

Through fiscal policy, the government can influence businesses and individuals in order to regulate their behaviour. The research used panel data from all 27 EU countries covering the period 2008–2020 to investigate the impact of direct taxation on economic growth at the level of two main clusters of countries concerning fiscal efficiency. Therefore, the analysis employed cluster methods to classify the main EU countries in both groups of countries with a high level of fiscal efficiency and those with a rather limited level of fiscal efficiency. The study employs fixed effect models and dynamic GMM methods to investigate the effect of direct taxation components (personal and corporate income taxes) on economic growth. The analysis also considers the informal economy’s role in relation to the official economy. The empirical results revealed that corporate income taxes significantly negatively impact economic growth for both clusters of high- and limited fiscal efficiency countries. Additionally, personal income tax was associated with lower economic growth for countries in the limited fiscal efficiency group. Thus, from the perspective of policymakers, lowering direct taxation can increase disposable income, stimulate consumption and economic growth, encourage investment leading to job creation, increase competitiveness, and reduce tax evasion and avoidance, thereby leading to a more efficient tax system. Full article

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19 pages, 2336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Household Wealth Distribution and Its Impact in China: Evidence from the China Family Panel Studies

by Wenjie Hu and Tiantian Gao

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6928; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086928 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5558

Abstract

As China has experienced rapid economic growth, the study of household wealth distribution has become a pressing issue. This paper uses data from the 2012–2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to examine the impact of demographic factors and urban–rural differences on household wealth [...] Read more.

As China has experienced rapid economic growth, the study of household wealth distribution has become a pressing issue. This paper uses data from the 2012–2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to examine the impact of demographic factors and urban–rural differences on household wealth distribution. The study finds that China’s household wealth Gini coefficient has increased significantly, with wealthier households accumulating wealth at a much faster rate than those at the bottom. In addition, negative wealth households, hand-to-mouth households, and indebted households have all shown an upward trend. Despite small marginal effects, demographic factors such as education, average household age, elderly numbers, and household size do not significantly affect the overall trend of the wealth distribution. Both rural and urban households at the top maintain high growth rates, but the average urban household experiences faster wealth growth than its rural counterpart. Asset allocation between rural and urban households also shows significant differences. This analysis underscores the importance of examining wealth distribution to promote equitable resource allocation and economic stability. Policymakers can use the findings of this study to reduce economic disparities and achieve the goal of common prosperity in China. Full article

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22 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nonlinear Effect of Digital Economy on Urban–Rural Consumption Gap: Evidence from a Dynamic Panel Threshold Analysis

by Yongqiang Zhang, Guifang Ma, Yuan Tian and Quanyao Dong

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6880; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086880 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2620

Abstract

Reducing the disparity in consumption between urban and rural areas, as a critical component in mitigating the economic imbalance between them, holds significant importance in enhancing people’s sense of well-being and achieving collective prosperity. This research investigated the nonlinear impact of the digital [...] Read more.

Reducing the disparity in consumption between urban and rural areas, as a critical component in mitigating the economic imbalance between them, holds significant importance in enhancing people’s sense of well-being and achieving collective prosperity. This research investigated the nonlinear impact of the digital economy and its sub-dimensions, including digital industrialization, industrial digitization, and the digital environment, on the urban–rural consumption disparity. We employed a systematic GMM and a dynamic panel threshold regression model and utilized dynamic panel data from 30 provinces in China. Our research reveals that the impact of digital economic development on the urban–rural consumption gap displays an inverted U-shaped nonlinear relationship of widening and then narrowing. This effect is primarily determined by the process of digital industrialization. The digital economy exerts a notable impact on the urban–rural consumption gap, with significant threshold effects identified for the income gap, the education gap, and financial expenditure for livelihoods; these threshold effects exhibit variation across the three sub-dimensions of the digital economy. Further analysis reveals that the digital economy plays a vital role in reducing the disparity between urban and rural hedonic and developmental consumption, while promoting the optimization and upgrading of consumption structure. Upon accounting for regional disparities in urbanization rates, it has been observed that the digital economy’s dampening effect on the urban–rural consumption gap is notably more pronounced in areas with lower rates of urbanization. To more effectively leverage the positive impact of the digital economy on bridging the urban–rural consumption divide, it is recommended that the government accelerate the establishment of a digital environment in rural areas, encourage the integration of digital industries with traditional rural industries, and optimize the investment structure of livelihood-based finance. These measures would help to create a more conducive environment for the digital economy to thrive and could contribute to narrowing the consumption gap between urban and rural areas. Full article

16 pages, 1423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rediscovering the Shift-Share EM2 Model: A Decomposition Framework of Unbalanced Employment Growth at the Industrial Level

by Jian Luo and Yongchun Yang

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065039 - 12 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1642

Abstract

The unbalanced growth of employment among regions is ultimately attributed to the difference in industrial structure and industrial competitiveness. At the regional level, both shift-share EM1 and EM2 models can realize the purpose of the shift-share model, that is, thoroughly separate the effects [...] Read more.

The unbalanced growth of employment among regions is ultimately attributed to the difference in industrial structure and industrial competitiveness. At the regional level, both shift-share EM1 and EM2 models can realize the purpose of the shift-share model, that is, thoroughly separate the effects of the industrial structure and industrial competitiveness on employment growth deviation. While the expectation is to further achieve a complete separation on employment growth deviation at the industrial level, the EM1 model is not competent, and this is precisely the role of the EM2 model—to separate the employment growth deviation caused by the differences in industrial structure and industrial competitiveness at the industrial level. Therefore, the shift-share EM2 model can realize the separation of the structural component and competitive component at the industrial level. In the process of industrialization, the manufacturing industry presents a significant trend of unbalanced growth in both spatial and industrial dimensions. The setting of the share component in the EM2 model covers the balanced growth of employment in both spatial and industrial dimensions. The allocation component is reinterpreted as the magnification or inhibition effect of industrial competitiveness on the initial industrial structure. In order to exclude the influence of the regional employment scale difference, the concept and calculation method of the regional deviation degree is put forward. Finally, the spatial pattern of unbalanced employment growth in China’s manufacturing industry from 1999 to 2019 was analyzed using the shift-share EM2 model at the regional level. The results show that the spatial imbalance trend of employment growth in China’s manufacturing industry is significant, the regional deviation scale of employment growth forms a north–south difference pattern, and the regional deviation degree forms a southeast to northwest difference pattern. Taking Sichuan Province as an example, the application of the shift-share EM2 model at the industrial level is demonstrated. Full article

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20 pages, 675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Spatial Spillover Effect of Industrial Agglomeration on the Economic Growth in the Yellow River Basin

by Mei Song, Yujin Gao, Furong Dong and Yunan Feng

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 3885; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053885 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2406

Abstract

The proposal of the high-quality development strategy of the Yellow River Basin is of great significance for accelerating industrial agglomeration. This study takes 49 prefecture-level cities in the Yellow River Basin as the research object. Based on the panel data from 2006 to [...] Read more.

The proposal of the high-quality development strategy of the Yellow River Basin is of great significance for accelerating industrial agglomeration. This study takes 49 prefecture-level cities in the Yellow River Basin as the research object. Based on the panel data from 2006 to 2018, we used the location quotient to calculate the manufacturing agglomeration, the producer service industry agglomeration and the synergistic agglomeration in the basin. The spatial Dubin model of the impact of the three types of agglomeration on the economic growth in the basin was constructed. The Yellow River basin was divided into upstream, midstream and downstream to explore the regional heterogeneity of the impact of the industrial agglomeration on the economic growth. The result showed that (1) the economic development of the Yellow River Basin has a spatial overflow. The economic improvement of the surrounding cities promotes local economic growth—the manufacturing agglomeration, producer service industry agglomeration and synergistic agglomeration all promote economic growth. The effect of the manufacturing agglomeration is more significant than the others. (2) The impact of the industrial agglomeration on the economic growth in the Yellow River Basin presents an evident regional heterogeneity, and the magnitude and direction of the action vary in the different regions. Full article

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17 pages, 1251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamics of the Social Security Index in the Context of the Economic Crisis in Romania

by Valentin Marian Antohi, Romeo Victor Ionescu, Marius Sorin Dinca, Monica Laura Zlati and Costinela Fortea

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3616; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043616 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

In conditions of uncertainty, social protection issues are of paramount importance, and supporting measures are needed for the vulnerable population with an impact on social costs. Those costs have to be included in the state budget, and they generate budgetary imbalances that need [...] Read more.

In conditions of uncertainty, social protection issues are of paramount importance, and supporting measures are needed for the vulnerable population with an impact on social costs. Those costs have to be included in the state budget, and they generate budgetary imbalances that need to be counterbalanced by relevant budgetary policy measures. This paper proposes to develop, on the basis of state budgets and of demographic indicators, a social security index, whose dynamics will reflect the impact of the necessary measures in a period of economic and financial uncertainties. The key indicators used for calculating the social security index are composite financial risk, which is quantified using the budget’s dynamic expenditures, composite labour risk using employment stock, and unemployment and composite social risk using equilibrium between labour and retired labour. The paper studies the evolution of this index to identify inflection points that impact social security policy. We have dynamically identified the evolution clusters that differentiate the variability of the social security index over time, translated into the social security matrix proposed by the study for each composite index. The used methods in the study are empirical and analytical in nature, consisting of an econometric definition of the index structure and a dynamic analysis of the results obtained over the period 2010–2020. The results of the study will identify the financial risk diagram, which, based on the forecasted clusters of financial, social, and labour market risks, will create a useful picture for social policy makers that will highlight the current vulnerabilities of the three clusters from a social perspective. Last but not least, the presentation of the social security index is a valuable result for practitioners in their efforts to optimise social policies and increase socio-economic welfare. The results of this research will allow decision-makers to adjust their social policies on an informed basis in relation to the elements of vulnerability during periods of uncertainty, in comparison with the elements of stability identified during periods of economic growth. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2023

11 pages, 1054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Changes and Income Inequality in China, 2000–2017: A Bi-Dimensional Inequality Decomposition Analysis

by Liang Tan and Takahiro Akita

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010401 - 26 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1536

Abstract

The paper explores the changes in the determinants of interprovincial inequality in China during the period of 2000 to 2017 by way of bi-dimensional decomposition method. The method integrates two inequality decompositions by both regional groups and gross regional product components, helping us [...] Read more.

The paper explores the changes in the determinants of interprovincial inequality in China during the period of 2000 to 2017 by way of bi-dimensional decomposition method. The method integrates two inequality decompositions by both regional groups and gross regional product components, helping us to evaluate the contributions of gross regional product components to both within-region and between-region inequalities, and to overall interprovincial inequality. It is found that the overall inequality exhibited a declining trend and the “Western Development Strategy” in Region 3 during the second sub-period from 2005 to 2012 contributed mostly to the decrease in interprovincial inequality. Moreover, as 57.3 percent of the interprovincial inequality is accounted for by the between-region inequality component, more preferential policies in terms of tax deduction, transfer payments, foreign trade promotion and the like should be issued to the less developed interior provinces in Region 2 and Region 3. Full article

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15 pages, 2446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Dynamic Evolution and Regional Differences of the Level of High-Quality Economic and Social Development in China

by Qiangsheng Mai, Mengting Bai and Le Li

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010382 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2184

Abstract

Analyzing the dynamic evolution and regional differences of the level of high-quality economic and social development based on the perspective of long time can be beneficial for informing the effect of the economy in China. This study builds a development evaluation index system [...] Read more.

Analyzing the dynamic evolution and regional differences of the level of high-quality economic and social development based on the perspective of long time can be beneficial for informing the effect of the economy in China. This study builds a development evaluation index system oriented to high-quality economic and social development in five directions. To deepen the analysis, TOPSIS entropy is used to measure the level of economic and social development of 31 provinces in China from 2000 to 2019, considering the temporal characteristics and evolution laws of four regions. Dagum’s Gini coefficient method is also applied to measure regional differences and discover driving factors. There are three key results. First, the comprehensive development index runs well; however, the index of economic momentum, innovationability, and safety assurance differ significantly. There is obvious path dependence, demonstrating a spatial gradient, with development that is high in the east, moderate in the central part, and low in the west. Second, the trend of the comprehensive development index of each province is gratifying, but there are obvious differences in the three dimensions of economic momentum, innovation ability, and security index. Third, the overall development coordination of the four regions is weak—that is, the levels of economic and social development oriented to high-quality intensified differentiation; it will be difficult to close the regional gap in the short term, given the development heterogeneity among regions. To promote the formation of a new, balanced pattern of regional development of high quality with complementary advantages, the four regions should be targeted in a double cycle of implementing regional development strategies and enhancing development coordination. Attention should also be paid to the growth pole function of advanced regions, complementing the advantages of other regions, and ultimately promoting high-quality development jointly. Full article

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17 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Skill Polarization Affect Wage Polarization? U.S. Evidence 2009–2021

by Huajie Jiang and Qiguo Gong

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13947; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113947 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1755

Abstract

(1) Background: Wage polarization and skill polarization are frequently mentioned in the literature, but relatively few empirical studies have focused on the relationship between skill polarization and wage polarization. (2) Methods: Using occupation–skill data from the O*NET database in the United States from [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Wage polarization and skill polarization are frequently mentioned in the literature, but relatively few empirical studies have focused on the relationship between skill polarization and wage polarization. (2) Methods: Using occupation–skill data from the O*NET database in the United States from 2009 to 2021, this study constructs the occupational socio-cognitive skill scores and the number of perceived physical skills effectively used by an occupation as proxies for measuring skill polarization and matches the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data from the corresponding years to explore the relationship between skill polarization and wage polarization by using 2SLS. (3) Results: Increases in both the occupational socio-cognitive skills scores and the number of sensory–physical skills effectively used by an occupation lead to higher wages, but the magnitude of the positive effects of these two indicators are different. We also find that these control variables can reduce occupational wages with a lagged effect. (4) Conclusion: Our findings confirm that skills polarization has a positive effect on wage polarization, providing new insights into understanding employment inequality in the labor market. Authorities should focus more attention on increasing the earnings of the low- and middle-skilled workers, especially through vocational skills training to increase the number of sensory–physical skills that can ultimately mitigate wage polarization. Full article

17 pages, 2104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Spatial Convergence Club and Growth Momentum of China’s Regional Economies

by Qiaoli Xiao and Yue Wang

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12820; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912820 - 8 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1527

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the convergence pattern of China’s regional economies, explore the driving force of their coordinated development, and provide policy suggestions for coordinated and high-quality development. We used nighttime light data from 1992 to 2020 and combined [...] Read more.

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the convergence pattern of China’s regional economies, explore the driving force of their coordinated development, and provide policy suggestions for coordinated and high-quality development. We used nighttime light data from 1992 to 2020 and combined an exploratory spatial data analytical method and a log-t test of a nonlinear time-varying factor model to identify the spatial convergence clubs of regional economic growth and the economic growth drivers of different clubs based on a spatial econometric model. We found that the eastern region is strong while the development of the central, western, and northeastern regions follows China’s long-term trend. Three high-level economic clubs (Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang belong to Club 1; Shandong, Hebei, Anhui, Henan, and Liaoning belong to Club 2; Hainan, Fujian, and Guangdong belong to Club 3) have formed in the eastern coastal and central regions, while a low-level one (Inner Mongolia, Hubei, Chongqing, Qinghai, Guizhou, Sichuan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Xizang, Shaanxi, Gansu, Hunan, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Jiangxi, Heilongjiang, and Jilin) has formed in the central, western, and northeastern regions. Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanxi are not convergent. The coordinated development of these regions requires improving the levels of economic growth in the western and northeastern regions to give full play to the role of the Yangtze River Delta as a growth pole and its economic radiation capacity. An analysis of the influence mechanism and spatial spillover effects shows that industrial development and market vitality are the most important driving forces for economic growth. For the low-level club, service industry development, human capital, and resource consumption are also key factors for achieving sustained and stable economic growth. Full article

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23 pages, 2852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis on the Effect of the Targeted Poverty Alleviation Policy on Narrowing the Urban-Rural Income Gap: An Empirical Test Based on 124 Counties in Yunnan Province

by Renyi Yang, Changbiao Zhong, Zisheng Yang and Qiuju Wu

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12560; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912560 - 2 Oct 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3051

Abstract

China’s targeted poverty-alleviation policy has eliminated absolute poverty and become the focus of world attention. However, a relative-poverty problem still exists in China, and the large urban–rural income gap is an important issue. Whether the implementation of the targeted poverty-alleviation policy has narrowed [...] Read more.

China’s targeted poverty-alleviation policy has eliminated absolute poverty and become the focus of world attention. However, a relative-poverty problem still exists in China, and the large urban–rural income gap is an important issue. Whether the implementation of the targeted poverty-alleviation policy has narrowed the urban–rural income gap, along with its specific effects, requires an accurate analysis, which is particularly critical in order for China to implement a rural-revitalization strategy and further eliminate relative poverty in the future. Given the problems and shortcomings of the existing studies, such as not passing the parallel trend test to overestimate the policy effect, in this study we refer to the previous results, and our analyses divide the 124 counties in Yunnan province into four categories: non-poverty counties and counties with grade-I, grade-II, and grade-III poverty. We selected the panel data of the urban–rural income ratio of each county along with eight influencing factors from 2011 to 2020 for difference-in-difference model (DID) analysis. In this study, we compare the four types of counties level-by-level, and we construct a full-sample spatial DID model. The estimated results, after excluding the impact of COVID-2019, are significant. In addition, we perform robustness and placebo tests and other work on the DID model. All of the results show that the implementation of the targeted poverty-alleviation policy has effectively reduced the urban–rural income ratio in areas experiencing poverty. Finally, we use the intermediary effect analysis method to explore the reasons for the findings: driven by the targeted poverty-alleviation policy, the financial investment in poor areas has substantially increased, further increasing the income level of rural residents in poor areas and thus promoting a notable reduction in the income gap between urban and rural residents in poor areas. We suggest that, although China has achieved comprehensive success in targeted poverty-alleviation, assistance investment still needs to be increased, policies must be adjusted, and income growth must be accelerated to achieve industrial prosperity. Full article

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17 pages, 1332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elements of Divergence in Urbanization between Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Core of the Continent

by Péter Faragó, Krisztina Gálos and Dávid Fekete

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12377; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912377 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1993

Abstract

There is an ongoing debate regarding whether the EU-10 converges at the core of Europe or not. Although the evidence supports both perspectives, the gap in urbanization is undeniable. In this explorative study, two economic processes contributing to this disparity—foreign direct investment and [...] Read more.

There is an ongoing debate regarding whether the EU-10 converges at the core of Europe or not. Although the evidence supports both perspectives, the gap in urbanization is undeniable. In this explorative study, two economic processes contributing to this disparity—foreign direct investment and migration—were analyzed and contextualized with respect to urbanization using grounded theory. It was concluded that there is slight convergence in the frontier, usually in urbanized areas of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), but not in the rural areas; additionally, the rural–urban dichotomy within the CEE countries is deepening due to the self-enhancing nature of the analyzed processes. Full article

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25 pages, 395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Consumption–Production Adjustments to Economic Crises under Credit Constraints in Nigeria

by Jude I. Iziga and Shingo Takagi

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8955; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148955 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1911

Abstract

Poverty and food security risks are increasing in resource-reliant African countries such as Nigeria. Resultantly, policymakers have attempted to use agricultural policy reforms to boost productivity and increase income. However, macroeconomic instabilities complicate agricultural transformation. Consequently, farm households try to diversify food production [...] Read more.

Poverty and food security risks are increasing in resource-reliant African countries such as Nigeria. Resultantly, policymakers have attempted to use agricultural policy reforms to boost productivity and increase income. However, macroeconomic instabilities complicate agricultural transformation. Consequently, farm households try to diversify food production to mitigate shock-induced nutrition losses. However, credit constraints disrupt the planting of different crops required for adequate diets. This study investigates food security performance during Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda. It examines whether credit-constrained households adjust food consumption and production differently from credit-unconstrained families. The aim is to uncover the nutritional implications of the adjustments and evaluate the changes such a linkage has undergone during the commercialization initiative. While credit-unconstrained households diversified food production to mitigate food security risks, credit-constrained households were unable to do so. A policy that improves credit access for farm-input purchases appeared to increase food security. However, macroeconomic shocks disrupt the smooth implementation of the policy. Resultantly, policy decisions on the designation of a financial-support scheme that approves credit to households for operating off-farm enterprises must be considered. The business profits could complement farm income to improve family nutrition. Part of the profits could again be plowed back into farm-input needs to enhance agricultural commercialization. Full article

16 pages, 1036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“The Three Evils”: Inflation, Poverty and Unemployment’s Shadow on Economic Progress—A Novel Exploration from the Asymmetric Technique

by Abdul Rehman, Laura Mariana Cismas and Ioana Anda Milin

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8642; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148642 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6193

Abstract

The primary goal of this analysis was to determine the impact of inflation, poverty, unemployment, and population growth on economic growth in Pakistan using time series data from 1986 to 2020. The stationarity for the variables was tested through unit root testing, while [...] Read more.

The primary goal of this analysis was to determine the impact of inflation, poverty, unemployment, and population growth on economic growth in Pakistan using time series data from 1986 to 2020. The stationarity for the variables was tested through unit root testing, while the asymmetric (NARDL) technique was applied to expose the association amid the variables via short-run and long-run dynamics. The outcomes show that (1) variable inflation and poverty have adversative linkages to economic growth, (2) unemployment has a positive association with economic growth, and (3) variable population growth showed a negative association via short-run and long-run dynamics. Inflation, poverty and unemployment are now emerging issues in the Pakistan. The Pakistani economy has been determined to have a strong and negative link between inflation and economic growth. After a certain point, generalized inflation seems to be harmful to economic growth in the country. New governmental strategies and policies are required to tackle this issue in order to boost economic progress. Full article

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15 pages, 1704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Instability in the Cross-Border Labor Market: A Study on the High Job Turnover of Migrant Workers from Rural Vietnam to Rural China

by Bo Zhou and Yumeng Zhong

Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7447; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127447 - 17 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2656

Abstract

Tens of thousands of Vietnamese workers have entered the agriculture, forestry, foreign trade, and manufacturing industries in rural Chongzuo of the Guangxi autonomous region. However, over 70% of these cross-border Vietnamese workers resign at least once a month. This study applies a survival [...] Read more.

Tens of thousands of Vietnamese workers have entered the agriculture, forestry, foreign trade, and manufacturing industries in rural Chongzuo of the Guangxi autonomous region. However, over 70% of these cross-border Vietnamese workers resign at least once a month. This study applies a survival analysis on the registration data of cross-border Vietnamese workers in 2019 to investigate the main drives of high job turnover. A Kaplan–Meier plot shows that the 30-day valid period of work permits is an important source of the frequent resignation of Vietnamese workers. A Cox regression analysis presents that Vietnamese laborers working in manufacturing, working in the sugarcane industry, or from the seven Vietnam provinces closest to Chongzuo have lower risks of turnover. This study implies that Chongzuo should bring in more manufacturing enterprises, expand work permit valid periods, and offer migrant workers vocational training. Full article

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22 pages, 6379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Perceptions of Personal Income and National Security: Evidence from the Baltic States

by Gitana Dudzevičiūtė, Dalia Prakapienė and Vida Česnuitytė

Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127387 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1918

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to explore the effect of objective and subjective personal income on perceived national security in the Baltic states, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. A representative quantitative survey was conducted in three Baltic countries in August 2021. The [...] Read more.

The purpose of this investigation is to explore the effect of objective and subjective personal income on perceived national security in the Baltic states, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. A representative quantitative survey was conducted in three Baltic countries in August 2021. The fieldwork was carried out by the public opinion and market research company Baltic Surveys. The sampling method in the three countries was the same: the probability multi-stage structural method, based on criteria of geographical region, size of settlement, gender, and age. The survey involved more than 1000 respondents per country. Multivariate statistical analysis, including correlation analysis and linear regression analysis was performed. The percentage distribution of the variable on the perception of safety reveals that more than half of the respondents in all Baltic countries agreed that they feel safe living in their own country. Moreover, it is notable that the feeling of safety in Estonia is higher than in the other two countries. Meanwhile, in Lithuania, the evaluation of the feeling of safety is lower than in Estonia and Latvia. The association of the feeling of safety in the country with the subjective perception of income is stronger than the objective income. Additionally, it is important to note that absence of financial difficulties, happiness with current income, and not worrying too much about spending on necessities are the strongest determinants for perceived security in each Baltic country. The findings that have been drawn from this investigation could be applied to ensure both national and economic security and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, such as no poverty (1SDG) and reduced inequalities (10 SDG). Full article

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23 pages, 1239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Sanctions and Regional Differences: Evidence from Sanctions on Russia

by Zhentao Li and Tianzi Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6112; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106112 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6233

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between economic sanctions and regional differences within Russia from three perspectives: regional favoritism of the political elite, industry development, and trade costs. Using the nighttime lights in Russia, we found a correlation between [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between economic sanctions and regional differences within Russia from three perspectives: regional favoritism of the political elite, industry development, and trade costs. Using the nighttime lights in Russia, we found a correlation between economic sanctions and regional differences. First, as sanctions increased, the lights of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and provincial capitals were brighter than those of the rest of the country. Second, the lights of manufacturing cities were brighter as sanctions increased. However, under the influence of sanctions, the lights of mining areas of Russia were dimmer than those of other areas. Finally, there were relatively more economic activities in areas close to the Chinese border. The lights of Blagoveshchensk were brighter than that of the rest of the country. In addition, the relationship between economic sanctions and the brightness of lights had the characteristics of stages. There was a negative correlation with the brightness of Russian lights in the early stages of economic sanctions. However, this negative correlation disappeared in the later stages. Full article

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15 pages, 2538 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Impact of Population Age Structure Change on Economic Growth in China

by Zhiwei Liu, Yonglei Fang and Lei Ma

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 3711; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073711 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5373

Abstract

In the process of changes in total population, structure, and spatial distribution, it is essential to investigate the inner rules of the harmonious correlation between population and development. Thus, this study examines the correlation between demographic variables (e.g., delayed retirement, total fertility rate, [...] Read more.

In the process of changes in total population, structure, and spatial distribution, it is essential to investigate the inner rules of the harmonious correlation between population and development. Thus, this study examines the correlation between demographic variables (e.g., delayed retirement, total fertility rate, and life expectancy) and economic development in China based on the overlapping generations (OLG) model and numerical simulation method. The findings reveal the following: (1) total social output level positively correlates with survival probability; (2) the contribution of the aging labor force (retirement age delay) to the total output is significant and an essential source of sustainable economic growth; (3) aggregate output increases first and then decreases with the increase in individual pension contributions rate, and the correlation between the two is a ∩-shaped curve. The policy implications of this study are that China’s economic transformation is a general trend, which should promote the upgrading of the demographic dividend from quantitative type to qualitative type and tap the human capital potential to increase the capital-based demographic dividend and activate the gender dividend. Full article

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25 pages, 2925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Regional Economic Resilience to Economic Crisis: Evidence from Chinese Economies

by Xiaowen Wang and Meiyue Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020809 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4778

Abstract

The severity of the 2007–2008 economic crisis and the spatial heterogeneity of its impact have accelerated the study of regional economic resilience. The economic crisis has affected most parts of the world, and its impact is highly heterogeneous within China. The aim of [...] Read more.

The severity of the 2007–2008 economic crisis and the spatial heterogeneity of its impact have accelerated the study of regional economic resilience. The economic crisis has affected most parts of the world, and its impact is highly heterogeneous within China. The aim of this study was to explore the determinants of regional economic resilience across 284 Chinese cities from 2003–2018. Both nation-based and province-based regional economic resilience were examined. A multilevel logistic regression model was established, finding a disparity of provincial effects on regional performance during the economic crisis. Regional economic resilience is significantly affected by provincial trajectories, economy size, and resources. There are five significant determinants of economic resilience: income inequality, innovation, government intervention, human capital, and financial development. The results provide evidence for the government to design region-based policies, taking into consideration the size and the resources of the region’s economy to build a resilient wall to defend against external shocks and to form a basis for sustainable development. Full article

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