Redai dili (Dec 2024)
Examining Competitive and Collaborative Intercity Relations amidst the Regional Integration of the Yangtze River Delta: A Case of Pinghu Science and Technology Park
Abstract
This study examined the intricate dynamics of competition and cooperation within the framework of city regionalism using Zhangjiang-Pinghu Science and Technology Park as a case study. Drawing from the theoretical background of city regionalism, this study synthesizes various academic perspectives on regionalization and interregional relationships. It identifies competition and cooperation as the two pivotal forces shaping the regional integration process. By integrating the "territorial-institutional structure" from existing studies and grounding the analysis in the characteristics of urban governance under China's socialist market economy, this paper proposes a "relationship circuit" as an analytical tool to elucidate the transformation between competition and cooperation. Employing semi-structured interviews and case study methods, this study investigated the competitive and cooperative dynamics among multiple stakeholders in the context of enclave industrial parks, as exemplified by the Zhangjiang-Pinghu Science and Technology Park, revealing that regional cooperation fosters intercity linkages, reducing production costs and public service expenditures, while promoting balanced regional development. However, this often comes at the expense of local interests. By contrast, regional competition accelerates the flow of production factors, enabling capital and labor to redistribute regional resources through market mechanisms. However, market-driven allocation can exacerbate these regional disparities. This study posits that in China's socialist market economy, the dynamic interplay between competition and cooperation reflects the evolving developmental needs of city regions. Competition enhances industrial profitability and efficiency, whereas cooperation improves the welfare-oriented provision of public services. This study highlights the limitations of applying western neoliberal theories of regional governance to China's unique institutional and economic context. Unlike the "small government" model prevalent in neoliberal systems, China's regional governance is characterized by strong state intervention, hierarchical administrative divisions, and a governance framework emphasizing flexibility. Local governments empowered by formal authority and administrative autonomy play dual roles in fostering competition and cooperation. This study identifies the coexistence of conflict and synergy as a defining feature of regional governance in China. It argues that the dynamic transformation between competition and cooperation is driven by external economic conditions, industrial development, and stakeholder interests. Using the Zhangjiang-Pinghu Science and Technology Park as a focal point, this study explored how the enclave industrial park model facilitates cross-boundary regional development. The park, jointly established by Shanghai Zhangjiang, Pinghu City, and the Jinshan District, exemplifies the interplay between competition and cooperation. Although competition for resources and investments initially strained inter-regional relations, the eventual alignment of industrial goals and resource-sharing mechanisms enabled the park to achieve complementary development. The research underscores the pivotal role of government-led initiatives in navigating these dynamics, showcasing how local governments mediate conflicts and foster cooperation to achieve regional integration. The study also examined the role of spatial planning and policy alignment in mitigating inter-regional competition. Through strategic reorientation and differentiation, the Zhangjiang-Pinghu Science and Technology Park was successfully integrated into the regional economic ecosystem, leveraging the strengths of Shanghai's industrial base while addressing the developmental needs of Pinghu. Moreover, this study highlighted the benefits of regional cooperation in public service provision, infrastructure development, and talent cultivation. Initiatives such as shared educational and medical resources, coordinated spatial planning, and collaborative transportation infrastructure underscore the potential for cooperative strategies to enhance regional development outcomes. In conclusion, this study provided a nuanced understanding of the competition-cooperation nexus in China's regional governance context. By proposing a "relationship circuit" framework, it offered a dynamic perspective on the transformation between these two forces, contributing to the theoretical discourse on city regionalism. Furthermore, the findings offer practical insights for policymakers seeking to balance efficiency and equity in regional development, emphasizing the importance of adaptive governance mechanisms in fostering sustainable regional integration.
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