Redai dili (Sep 2024)
Spatial Evolution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of the Chemical Industry in Guangdong Province from an Industrial Chain Perspective
Abstract
Given that the chemical industry is the foundation and pillar of the national economy, explorations of its spatial evolution characteristics and influencing factors are of paramount importance for optimizing regional industrial spatial layouts and promoting high-quality development. This study focused on 10,596 chemical enterprises in Guangdong Province and employed spatial analysis methods to delineate the spatial evolution characteristics of the chemical industry in Guangdong from 2000 to 2021 from an industrial chain perspective. Additionally, we applied a negative binomial regression model to analyze the factors affecting the location choices of chemical enterprises. The following are the main conclusions drawn from the results obtained: (1) Overall, the spatial distribution of the chemical industry in Guangdong Province exhibited a southwest-to-northeast trend, with the center shifting along a southeast-to-northwest axis, accompanied by a gradual reduction in distance. This resulted in a general pattern of "agglomeration in the Pearl River Delta region, diffusion along river corridors, and peripheral expansion." The specific spatial distribution pattern can be described as a "central core and two belts," aligning with the industrial development strategies that are driving the western and eastern regions of Guangdong in concert with the Pearl River Delta region. (2) Agglomeration effects within different industrial chains were strengthened and exhibited variations in distribution. Upstream industries were primarily concentrated in Maoming, transitioning from being dispersed to being densely agglomerated and gradually forming a core area in Maoming and a sub-core area on the east bank of the Pearl River. Midstream industries were primarily clustered in the Pearl River Delta and Maoming, with limited distribution in other regions, displaying a pattern of "significant agglomeration in the Pearl River Delta, the emergence of new hotspots in Maoming and Zhanjiang, and scattered development in other areas." Downstream industries clustered in the Pearl River Delta region and expanded toward the northwest, featuring a "significant increase in agglomeration in the Pearl River Delta, with a noticeable gap compared with other regions." (3) Spatial correlations within the chemical industry gradually strengthened, with downstream industries displaying the strongest associations. With regard to inter-industry chain associations, midstream and downstream industries exhibited the closest spatial connections, whereas those between upstream and downstream industries were relatively weaker. (4) The spatial layout of the chemical industry was driven by multiple factors, including location conditions, socioeconomic factors, government actions, and industry linkages. Notably, transportation infrastructure, economic development, labor costs, environmental regulations, and industrial foundations significantly influenced the spatial layout. Furthermore, the factors influencing the spatial distribution of chemical enterprises in different industrial chains varied. Upstream industries tended to favor regions with stringent environmental regulations and higher labor costs. Midstream industries leaned toward areas with good water transportation, strong economic foundations, high labor costs, stringent environmental regulations, and robust industrial bases. Downstream industries shared similar influencing factors with midstream industries and preferred regions with strong industrial links. This study makes two main contributions. The theoretical findings enrich the field of geographical research on the chemical industry and provide specific references for the spatial layouts of other industries. In practical terms, this study is valuable for capturing and reflecting the evolving spatial patterns of the chemical industry and providing decision-making references for local governments seeking to promote its transformation and development.
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