Driving Forces and Strategic Pathways for the Ecological Development of Industrial Chain Clusters

Bingyi Liu; Siyu Wang; Hongyu Gong

doi:10.71222/pen22y21

Authors

Bingyi Liu School of Finance and Taxation, Guangdong University of Finance & Economics, Guangzhou, China Author
Siyu Wang Department of Economics and Management, Suzhou Top Institute of Information Technology, Suzhou, China Author
Hongyu Gong School of Economics and Management, Chongqing Metropolitan College of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71222/pen22y21

Keywords:

industrial clusters, sustainable development, green innovation, circular economy, environmental policy, industrial strategy

Abstract

Amid the growing global emphasis on sustainable development and carbon neutrality, the ecological development of industrial chain clusters has emerged as a critical strategic priority for regions and firms. This paper systematically examines the key driving forces propelling the ecological transformation of industrial chain clusters, including the guidance of policy incentives, the diffusion of green and low-carbon technologies, shifts in domestic and international market demand, and the tightening of environmental governance and regulatory standards. Building on this analysis, the study further explores practical and strategic pathways for realizing ecological upgrading, such as the integration of green technologies into production and logistics, the empowerment of clusters through digital tools and data-driven management, the establishment of circular and symbiotic value chains, and the construction of open regional innovation ecosystems that link enterprises, governments, and research institutions. Particular attention is paid to the coordination between policy instruments and market mechanisms, the role of innovation in reducing transition costs, and the importance of collaborative governance within and across clusters. By synthesizing these elements into a coherent analytical framework, the paper seeks to offer actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and cluster coordinators, equipping them with conceptual tools and strategic options to promote high-quality, resilient, and sustainable development of industrial chain clusters under evolving environmental and economic constraints.

References

1. M. Brandenburg, "Low carbon supply chain configuration for a new product–a goal programming approach," International Journal of Production Research, vol. 53, no. 21, pp. 6588-6610, 2015.

2. M. Novelli, B. Schmitz, and T. Spencer, "Networks, clusters and innovation in tourism: A UK experience," Tourism Management, vol. 27, no. 6, pp. 1141-1152, 2006.

3. M. Francesch-Huidobro, C. W. H. Lo, and S. Y. Tang, "The local environmental regulatory regime in China: Changes in pro-environment orientation, institutional capacity, and external political support in Guangzhou," Environment and Planning A, vol. 44, no. 10, pp. 2493-2511, 2012.

4. M. Niero and S. I. Olsen, "Circular economy: To be or not to be in a closed product loop? A Life Cycle Assessment of aluminium cans with inclusion of alloying elements," Resources, Conservation and Recycling, vol. 114, pp. 18-31, 2016.

5. M. Albrecht, Supply chain coordination mechanisms: New approaches for collaborative planning, vol. 628. Springer Science & Business Media, 2009.

6. R. Brown, "Mission impossible? Entrepreneurial universities and peripheral regional innovation systems," Industry and Innovation, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 189-205, 2016.

7. B. Klievink, M. Janssen, and Y. H. Tan, "A stakeholder analysis of business-to-government information sharing: the governance of a public-private platform," International Journal of Electronic Government Research (IJEGR), vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 54-64, 2012.

8. D. Z. Zeng, "China's special economic zones and industrial clusters: the engines for growth," Journal of International Commerce, Economics and Policy, vol. 3, no. 03, p. 1250016, 2012.

9. R. Sharpley, "Ecotourism: A consumption perspective," Journal of Ecotourism, vol. 5, no. 1-2, pp. 7-22, 2006.

10. N. Nagesha and M. H. Bala Subrahmanya, "Energy efficiency for sustainable development of small industry clusters: what factors influence it?," International Journal of Economic Policy Studies, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 133-153, 2006.

11. K. Rentkova, "The clusters phenomenon and sustainable regional development," in IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 471, no. 10, p. 102039, Feb. 2019.

12. N. Nagesha, "Role of energy efficiency in sustainable development of small-scale industry clusters: an empirical study," Energy for Sustainable Development, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 34-39, 2008.

13. H. P. Wallner, "Towards sustainable development of industry: networking, complexity and eco-clusters," Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 49-58, 1999.

14. O. P. Ivanova, V. A. Trifonov, and D. N. Nesteruk, "Crucial factors providing sustainable development of industrial clusters in a priority social and economic development area of single-industry towns," Revista Espacios, vol. 39, no. 26, 2018.

15. F. Belfanti and F. G. Alberti, "Clusters and sustainable development: a systematic literature review," International Journal of Competitiveness, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 137-159, 2022.