New urbanization construction and city economic resilience-based on multi-period DID tests for 278 cities

Abstract

As a key measure to realize Chinese-style modernization, the construction of new urbanization injects new vitality into China ‘s urban economic growth by building a modern industrial system, and it is also of great significance to improve urban economic resilience. This study examines data from 278 Chinese cities spanning the period 2006–2022, utilizing a multi-period Difference-in-Differences model and a moderating effect model to investigate the impact of new urbanization on cities' economic resilience. The findings indicate that the adoption of modern urbanization significantly enhances cities' economic resilience. Notably, when examined from the perspectives of geographical location, urban scale, urban agglomeration, and urban economic development level, the impact of new urbanization is particularly pronounced in the eastern region, small cities, non-urban agglomeration cities, and cities with lower levels of economic development. The mechanism test demonstrates that new urbanization affects cities’ economic resilience by fostering technological innovation and upgrading the industrial structure. Essentially, technological innovation and industrial restructuring serve as intermediaries in fortifying economic resilience through the implementation of new urbanization. As a result, recommendations are formulated to bolster the resilience of urban economies.

Keywords

• New urbanization
• Economic resilience
• Technological innovation
• Industrial structure upgrading