Industrial migration and its impact on an ‘Internet+’ economy: Evidence from core cities in the Diamond Economic Circle

Abstract

The continued strength and vitality of China in terms of e-commerce have raised an issue of great importance regarding the adaptability of internet economic systems. As the installation of internet infrastructure becomes more widespread, certain internal factors have been identified as important determinants of ‘Internet+’ economy formation. This study describes and explains the relationship between industrial migration and ‘Internet+’ economy formation, by examining empirical data from Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an and Kunming during the 2010–2015 periods. This study proposes an industrial structure migration assessment model, and it finds that industrial structure in the study cities has radically and swiftly improved. A tendency towards inertia in structure adjustment, as well as cooperation tendencies in the course of transformation, are also confirmed in our results. These phenomena offer a favourable foundation for ‘Internet+’ economy diffusion in the study cities. Finally, we offer recommendations regarding ‘Internet+’ transformation in the Diamond Economic Circle.