Exploring spatial evolution of economic clusters: A case study of Beijing

An identification of economic clusters and analysing their changing spatial patterns is important for understanding urban economic space dynamics. Previous studies, however, suffer from limitations as a consequence of using fixed geographically areas and not combining functional and spatial dynamics. The paper presents an approach, based on local spatial statistics and the case of Beijing to understand the spatial clustering of industries that are functionally interconnected by common or complementary patterns of demand or supply relations. Using register data of business establishments, it identifies economic clusters and analyses their pattern based on postcodes at different time slices during the period 1983–2002. The study shows how the advanced services occupy the urban centre and key sub centres. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) cluster is mainly concentrated in the north part of the city and circles the urban centre, and the main manufacturing clusters are evolved in the key sub centers. This type of outcomes improves understanding of urban-economic dynamics, which can support spatial and economic planning.

► The spatial clustering of industries was examined for Beijing in the period 1987–2002.
► LISA provides more objective analysis of spatial clusters and associated pattern.
► This approach establishes a link between the spatial effects of economic activities and urban structure.
► The evolution of main spatial clusters largely reflects the urban structure of Beijing.
► Data construction is desirable for supporting urban planning analysis.