The Impact of New Urbanization Policy on In Situ Urbanization—Policy Test Based on Difference-in-Differences Model

• Main Authors: Jing Peng, Yanhong Liu, Qi Wang, Guoping Tu, Xinjian Huang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
• Series: Land
• Subjects: new urbanization policy; in situ urbanization; difference-in-differences; policy test
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/10/2/178

Compared with traditional urbanization, new urbanization is more closely aligned with China’s basic national conditions and reflects the basic goal of sustainable development. As the main method of new urbanization, in situ urbanization can make up for the shortcomings of traditional urbanization. The establishment of national new urbanization pilot areas is an important element of the new urbanization policy. This paper tests the policy effect of the National New-type Urbanization Plan (2014–2020) on in situ urban development through the establishment of pilot areas. We found the following: (1) In the central region, the establishment of new urbanization pilot areas has not played a significant role in promoting the process of in situ urbanization. By dividing the central cities into Yangtze River and non–Yangtze River Economic Belt areas, we also find that the effect of the new urbanization policy is not obvious, for these cities are not located in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. (2) The central cities located in the Yangtze River Economic Belt have seen significant policy effects due to their advantages in transportation, resources, industry, labor, etc. The establishment of new urbanization pilot areas has a significant promoting effect on the process of in situ urbanization.