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Specialty towns in China: Towards a typological policy approach

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  • Hu, Xiaohui
  • Wu, Qianbo
  • Xu, Wei
  • Li, Yuwen

Abstract

Recently, a new state-led platform of regional development in China, known as specialty towns, has been launched and rolled out nationwide. Despite the greater emphasis on place-based industry specialism and agglomeration, the new strategy suffers from a typical top-down governance approach that has confronted emerging problems. In this paper by using the agglomeration theory we link regional preconditions for industrial and social (dis)advantages to various patterns of specialty towns. Drawing upon modern policy concepts from an evolutionary perspective, it offers a basic ex ante policy approach, by developing more specific policy orientations suitable for different types of specialty towns. Combined with our survey, on-site interviews and policy material analyses, we examine the historical foundations, industrial attributes and developmental aims of 134 provincial-level specialty towns in Zhejiang. We have identified three key types of specialty towns with grounded empirical illustrations: 1) State-planned platform specialty towns for developing emerging industries (Dream Town and Photovoltaic Town); 2) Specialized market-based specialty towns for upgrading mature industries (Socks Art Town) and; 3) Natural/cultural asset-based specialty towns for fostering the tourism industry (Hot Springs Town). A typological policy approach is proposed in order to avoid the potential ‘one-size-fits-all’ policy trap for future’s ST development.

Suggested Citation

  • Hu, Xiaohui & Wu, Qianbo & Xu, Wei & Li, Yuwen, 2022. "Specialty towns in China: Towards a typological policy approach," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:114:y:2022:i:c:s0264837721006566
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2021.105933
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    2. Xuliang Zhang & Chenxiang Elaine Ji & Haixia Zhang & Yuchen Wei & Jianwei Jin, 2023. "On the Role of the Digital Industry in Reshaping Urban Economic Structure: the Case of Hangzhou, China," Journal of Economic Analysis, Anser Press, vol. 2(4), pages 123-139, July.
    3. Xiao Gong & Xiaolin Zhang & Jieyi Tao & Hongbo Li & Yunrui Zhang, 2022. "An Evaluation of the Development Performance of Small County Towns and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of Small Towns in Jiangyin City in the Yangtze River Delta, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-22, July.

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