Redai dili (Apr 2023)
The County Network Structure and Driving Mechanism of China's Cold Chain Logistics Enterprises from a Multi-Scale Perspective
Abstract
To expand micro-scale research on the urban network of cold chain logistics enterprises, enrich cold chain logistics channel theories, guide marginal counties to improve their network status, further promote the rational allocation of cold chain logistics resources at various scales, and promote the coordinated development of regional cold chain logistics, this study constructed three levels of county network respectively from the inside of the cold chain logistics corridors,within and beyond the corridors and at a national scale. Using Social Network Analysis, Motif analysis, geodetectors, and other models, it gradually analyzed the county network structure of cold chain logistics enterprises in 2020 from the overall to the local level and discussed the driving mechanism of the network structure. The results show that: 1) from an overall perspective, the network structure at all scales presents a core-periphery layout, and the core counties with archipelagic distribution are mainly located in Beijing Tianjin Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta. The difference is that network development inside and outside the corridors and at the national scale is not yet mature, and the network status and node relevance of counties at various scales are quite different; 2) from a local perspective, the core counties within the corridors mainly establish a dual relationship with the core counties in the same city, build a ternary closed and mutually beneficial group relationship with other counties, and develop multi-corridor multi-core communities. The outer core counties of the inner and outer scales of the corridors are mostly formed near the hub of the corridor, often occupying the structural hole position of the inner and outer links of the corridors and are closely linked with other marginal counties in the main agricultural production areas. The core counties at the national scale radiate mainly to the outside world. They often choose the eastern coastal open cities or ports as windows to absorb multiple investments, leading to economic circles and economic belt associations; and 3) from the perspective of the core-periphery layout driving mechanism, economic factors, such as consumption level, are the common driving force of all scales; spatial factors, such as geographical location, lead to differences between scales; and aviation facilities do not show an obvious driving force. The theory of urban network driving mechanisms is still applicable to the study of county units. The formation of the county network structure stems from the functional differentiation and locational separation behavior of cold chain logistics enterprises. Driving mechanisms, such as scale preference, endowment preference, and network proximity effect, show heterogeneity in the role of network structures at various scales.
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