The spatial integration and coordinated industrial development of urban agglomerations in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China

Abstract Urban agglomeration is the engine of national development and regional prosperity. Although extensive work has investigated issues related to this new form of spatial governance, few studies have directly illustrated the spatial integration of urban agglomeration and its relationship with industrial development. This paper employs nighttime light data and industrial enterprise datasets to investigate the spatial integration and industrial development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) of China for 1995–2015. We here illustrate the significant relationship between the spatial integration of urban agglomerations and the characteristics of industrial development. In the process of spatial integration, urban form, intercity relation and their evolution show clear regional differences. Because of the differences in socio-economic and geographical characteristics, urban systems are more advanced and closely related in developed areas. A significant negative (positive) spatial correlation between industrial specialization (diversification) and urban form is supported by using bivariate Moran's I, and spatial clustering patterns are clearly different across the three urban agglomerations. A panel regression reveals that intercity relations are significantly associated with the characteristics of industrial development. Higher levels of industrial diversification and competition are associated with weaker intercity relations, while industrial structures similarities are reversed. These findings could be used to formulate reasonable policies and plans and to support future regional spatial integration and coordinated development.