How does inter-sectoral linkage affect the environmental performance of a transitioning region: Evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China

Resources, Environment and Sustainability

Xinchen Luan¹  Xiyan Mao²  Xianjin Huang³ 

[1] School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, China;Correspondence to: 302, Kunshan Bldg., Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210023, China.;School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, China;

关键词: Industrial dynamics;    Sustainability transition;    Industrial linkage;    Path dependence;    Pollution intensity;    Hypothetical extraction;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Regarding the environmental effects of industrial restructuring, the changing types and shares of sectors attract more attention, while the role of industrial linkages is under-researched. The overlook of industrial linkages leads to the over-optimism about balancing the development–environment relationship by industrial restructuring. This study investigates how inter-sectoral linkages affect the environmental performance of a transition region. We argue that inter-sectoral linkages are conditioned by not only their techno-economic interdependencies but also their dependencies on geographical contexts. Thus, inter-sectoral linkages may affect environmental improvement via production linkages and local stickiness. We construct two proxies for them by the hypothetical extraction approach and co-occurrence analysis, respectively. Using the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China as a case, we apply a fixed-effect model to estimate their effects on environmental performance. Empirical results show that inter-sectoral linkage is a double-edged sword for environmental improvement. It can hinder environmental improvement, particularly in terms of local stickiness. Our results question the effectiveness of industrial selection policy for promoting sustainability transition. Instead, they support an industrial policy targeting regional integration and local capacity-building.

【 授权许可】

Unknown