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Spatial Distribution and Location Determinants of High-Tech Firms in Shenzhen, a Chinese National Innovative City

Author

Listed:
  • Lu Cui

    (School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Jing Shen

    (School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Zhuolin Mai

    (School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Chenghui Lin

    (School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Shaogu Wang

    (School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

Abstract

The development of high-tech firms is a vital driver for the economic growth of a city but their distribution and location determinants at the intra-urban level are still unclear. We aim to deepen the understanding of location determinants of high-tech firms, so we construct an analytical framework and use GeoDetector to investigate high-tech firms in Shenzhen based on firms and POI open data in 2023. We find that high-tech firms are distributed in a spatial pattern of ‘one core and six clusters’ with high density in the western area despite industrial heterogeneity. Agglomeration economies and amenity-based factors play a significant role in the distribution of high-tech firms. Institutional factors and classical locational factors have more significant effects on the location of high-tech service and manufacturing firms, respectively. This study contributes to the literature on study spatial units, the influence of amenities, and industrial specificities. These findings highlight public policies on industrial park planning, transportation systems, and public services.

Suggested Citation

  • Lu Cui & Jing Shen & Zhuolin Mai & Chenghui Lin & Shaogu Wang, 2024. "Spatial Distribution and Location Determinants of High-Tech Firms in Shenzhen, a Chinese National Innovative City," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:9:p:1355-:d:1463682
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Jiaqi Zhang & Zhen He & Weijing Wang & Ziwen Sun, 2025. "Spatial Drivers of Urban Industrial Agglomeration Using Street View Imagery and Remote Sensing: A Case Study of Shanghai," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-26, August.
    3. Kirill Sarachuk & Yudong Zhu & Jianming Wang, 2025. "How May Governments Affect The Location Of New Businesses? Evidence From China," Economy & Business Journal, International Scientific Publications, Bulgaria, vol. 19(1), pages 18-25.

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