Research on the Evolution Characteristics and Synergistic Relationship between HSR Network and Economic Network in Hubei Province

Abstract

We construct high-speed railway (HSR) networks for 15 cities in Hubei Province based on the HSR daily operating frequency panel data from 2009 to 2019 and construct economic networks for these cities through a gravity model. Then, we use social network analysis to explore the topological structure and evolutionary characteristics of the HSR and economic networks and use quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) analysis and coupling coordination to analyze the synergistic relationship between the HSR network and economic network. The results show that both the connectivity of the HSR network in Hubei Province and its interactive structure have improved significantly. The development of the HSR network has promoted the interaction of economic networks, but the economic connection among these cities is still weak. Overall, the two networks show a high correlation, but the development trend of both is not clear in the later stage. In general, the province’s level of coupling and coordination has increased, but local disequilibrium still exists.