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Identifying Economic Growth Convergence Clubs and Their Influencing Factors in China

Author

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  • Feng Li

    (School of Finance, Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, Shanghai 201209, China)

  • Guangdong Li

    (Key Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 11A Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China)

  • Weishan Qin

    (Key Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 11A Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
    School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, LuDong University, 186A Hongqi Road, Zhifu District, Yantai 264025, China)

  • Jing Qin

    (The School of Tourism Management, Beijing International Studies University, Beijing 100024, China)

  • Haitao Ma

    (Key Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 11A Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China)

Abstract

Balanced and coordinated economic development across regions is a critical goal of regional economic development and new-type urbanization in China. However, few studies have examined economic growth convergence clubs at the county level. To extend the research on convergence clubs, this research applies a log t convergence test and a dynamic spatial ordered probit model (DSOP) to endogenously identify economic growth convergence clubs in counties and to examine the influence of initial states and structures on club convergence probability. The study sample covers 2286 counties of China from 1992 to 2010. The results show significant convergence club patterns at the county levels, resulting in the gradual formation of six convergence clubs. The DSOP estimation results show that per capita fixed assets, population density, and industrialization have promoted convergence club formation to varying degrees.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Li & Guangdong Li & Weishan Qin & Jing Qin & Haitao Ma, 2018. "Identifying Economic Growth Convergence Clubs and Their Influencing Factors in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:8:p:2588-:d:159599
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