Analyzing Industrial Structure Evolution of Old Industrial Cities Using Evolutionary Resilience Theory: A Case Study in Shenyang of China

Abstract

The recession and revitalization of old industrial cities concerns urban industrial evolution and its characteristics. Based on the theory of evolutionary resilience, we developed an analytical framework for the industrial structure evolution of old industrial cities, and applied the framework to a case study in Shenyang. The following conclusions are drawn. First, since 1978, Shenyang's industrial growth capacity has shown fluctuation between 'contraction-expansion'. As the secondary industry has a much stronger expansionary and contractionary capacity for growth, this results in lacking stability leading to industrial structure transformation. Second, since 1999, the orientation towards a high-end manufacturing industry in Shenyang has weakened, and the evolution of the new and old growth path is characterized by low-end orientation. Third, since 2007, Shenyang's industrial innovation output capacity has dropped sharply which has been significantly affected by scientific and technological personnel and enterprise-owed science and technology institutions and to a less extent by R&D expenditure. We applied the resilience theory to study the industrial evolution of an old industrial city, explored new study perspectives on industrial evolution and verified the applicability of the resilience theory. This paper provides a scientific reference for understanding the recent deceleration in economic growth in the Northeast old industrial base, and for exploring new paths toward revitalization.

Regional economic resilience of resource‐based cities and influential factors during economic crises in China

“…And then drawing on the institutional change and path development concepts, explained how different modes of institutional change shaped path development processes in relation to economic resilience and taking two Chinese mining cities as example (Hu & Yang, ). Guan et al () developed an analytical framework for the industrial structure evolution of old industrial cities, and took Shenyang as an example. Li, Zhang, and Li () examined regional economic resilience of Liaoning Province in China in terms of resistance and recoverability.…”

Regional Economic Resilience of the Old Industrial Bases in China—A Case Study of Liaoning Province

“…In particular, many policy makers and studies are eager to know how old industrial bases respond to shocks and further realize economic revitalization. This is because old industrial bases are more vulnerable to shocks, such as financial crisis and resource depletion [3,[5][6][7], and to falling into the trajectory of economic recession due to their special regional characteristics. Therefore, old industrial bases have an urgent need to improve their ability to cope with shocks and maintain long-term development of the regional economy.…”

Northeast China’s Renewable Energy Transition: Drivers and Challenges

“…The third challenge is rising dependency on energy import. While the reduction in fossil fuel production has been dramatic, the demand for fossil fuels in the northeast has remained relatively stable (Figure 4), driven by factors such as increasing uptake of personal automobile [81], the demand for heating during winters [82], and the goal of industrialization as the region's main economic growth engine [2]. Consequently, the already significant gap between supply and demand of fossil fuels are growing.…”

“…During the Maoist era, Northeast China depended on its abundant natural resources and energy-intensive industries to achieve economic development [1]. To support the industries, the region became a significant production base for fossil fuels, especially coal and petroleum [1,2]. A large number of oil cities (e.g., Daqing) and coal cities (e.g., Fuxin) were established and prospered [3,4].…”