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Impact of the Yangtze River economic belt on high-quality economic development in China: Evidence from a spatial difference-in-differences model

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Listed:
  • He, Yu
  • Zhang, Xiaoqi
  • Zheng, Huan

Abstract

In September 2016, the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) was officially declared a major national strategic development region in China. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the impact of YREB implementation on environmental protection and economic growth, with limited research on sustainable economic development. Thus, based on city-level panel data during 2013–2020, this study examines the impact of YREB implementation on high-quality economic development (HQED) by using a spatial difference-in-differences model. Based on the findings, YREB implementation enhances the HQED of local regions, but not that of neighboring regions. Additionally, a mechanism analysis revealed that the policy effect is greater when the industrial structure is more advanced and human capital is richer. Meanwhile, YREB implementation only has a significant influence on HQED over the long term and in the eastern region. Overall, our study clarifies the role of YREB implementation in fostering sustainable economic development in the country.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Yu & Zhang, Xiaoqi & Zheng, Huan, 2025. "Impact of the Yangtze River economic belt on high-quality economic development in China: Evidence from a spatial difference-in-differences model," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:143:y:2025:i:c:s0264999324003195
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2024.106962
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