Patterns, processes, and differentiation mechanisms of China's transition from old to new economic drivers

Transition from old to new economic drivers(TONED) is of great significance for optimizing economic structures. Using a combination of methods including entropy weight technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution, geospatial analysis, and optimal parameter geodetector, this study investigates the patterns and mechanisms of China's TONED in the prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2020. The findings reveal that(1) the TONED exhibited a spatial distribution characterized by higher levels in the east and lower levels in the west, along with a pyramidal hierarchy of levels. The distribution of hot and cold spots roughly followed the Heihe-Yulin line.(2) The informatization levels, openness to the outside world, and urbanization played a dominant role in the TONED. The types of dual-factor interactions exhibited both dual-factor enhancement and non-linear enhancement effects.(3) The eastern and central regions were more likely to promote the TONED through enhanced informatization levels, whereas the western region relied more on increasing openness. This study finds that the TONED results from the combined effects of three geographical natures, each playing a distinct role. The recommendations provided can serve as a reference for China and other developing countries to implement the TONED in the context of deglobalization.

Spatio-temporal characteristics of regional sustainable economic growth drivers of China

Intellectual capital(IC)has become a universal performance indicator for the socioeconomic development of countries and regions.Based on a review ofnational intellectualcapital(NIC)and regional intellectualcapital(RIC)evaluation literature,we used the regional intellectualcapitalindicator(RICI)as a model for China’s RIC evaluation to indirectly understand China’s potential economic growth drivers.Specifically,we collected statisticaldata of31 provinces(including municipalities and autonomous regions)in China from 2004 to 2016to measure RICI and analyze its dynamic characteristics from temporal and spatial perspectives.In this paper,Delphi analysis was used to construct RICI model,and cluster analysisand exploratory spatial data analysis were used to analyze the temporal and spatial characteristics of RICI in China.The results showedthat RICI,which represents China’s overall economic growth drivers,increases annuallyand is consistent with economic developmentlevelduring the study period.Regarding the geo-spatial space,RICI follows the trend of“high in the east and low in the west”,gradually decreasing from eastern to western China.ForRIC structure,the shape of the radar chart of IC structure located in the eastern coastal areas is usually biased towards strong external relational capital,while that in western China is generally biased towards structural capital.For spatial correlation,China’s RICI has dependence on geographical adjacent space and economic space.Our research can provide policy suggestions for the sustainable development of regional economy from an IC perspective.

Application of Principles of Integrated Agricultural Systems： Results from Farmer Panels

The Integrated Agricultural Systems workgroup is examining agricultural systems of the US to determine fundamental principles that underlie successful production systems. Our hypothesis is that principles are applicable across regions, but key drivers interact to influence producer decisions and create distinct production systems. We interviewed agricultural producers to examine the underlying rationale for producer decisions and discern primary factors influencing production and marketing practices. While drivers are common among regions, interactions between drivers and influences on decision-makers vary substantially to create unique production systems. The internal social driver that values farming lifestyle is the principal factor that leads people to farming. The type of farming is partly a lifestyle choice and is influenced by other factors. Economic drivers and marketing options are primary drivers influencing production systems and management choices, as farmers provide an economic foundation for their families. While all producers employed strategies to manage production and marketing risks, these varied with different marketing channels. Identification of key drivers and principles can be used by producers, scientists and policy makers to direct agricultural production and agricultural research. New management systems can be developed that are flexible enough to respond to changing societal demands, and are environmentally and economically sustainable.

The centrality of water resources to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals(SDG).A review of potentials and constraints on the African continent

Africa is endowed with vast water resources including but not limited to lakes,rivers,swamps and underground aquifers.However,the way of life in Africa does not reflect this kind of wealth owing majorly to degradation and underutilization of these water resources.This review discusses the centrality of water resources in Africa's pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).Following the Sustainable Development Model,the paper thematically examines and synthesizes the importance and potentials of water resources to Africa's development through exploring their contributions and limitations to the various economic sectors namely;agricultural and livestock production,energy,manufacturing and processing,tourism,health,fisheries,trade and other institutional mechanisms such as payment for ecosystem services(PES),mutual cooperation and economic cooperation.Data were collected by review of online peer-reviewed and grey literature published between the year 2000 and 2015.It is observed that sustainable management of water and sanitation for all(SDG 6)will be central to the attainment of all the other SDGs(particularly SDG 1(No poverty),2(No hunger),3(Good health),14(life below water)and 15(life on land))across Africa.African states should therefore increase their commitment to water conservation and management as this will significantly decide Africa's future development paths.