By Jia Shen, Department of Development Strategy and Regional Economy, DRC

Research Report, No.27, 2019 (Total 5527) 2019-3-7

Abstract: Since 2008, remarkable changes have taken place in the industrial structure and labor division pattern of the Yangtze River Delta: Shanghai’s role of financial center is elevated, the industrial position of Jiangsu and Anhui Province is strengthened, the information industry of Zhejiang is accelerated, and the overall industrial mix of Yangtze River Delta becomes increasingly balanced. In light of Yangtze River Delta’s labor division pattern, the high- tech-intensive manufacturing has seen a decreasing concentration rate, while low-tech-intensive manufacturing has seen an increasing concentration rate. The change of labor division pattern has caused the fall of economic benefits in underachieving areas and isomorphic industries. Several policy options are made for the future development of the area. First, it is suggested that the area should align with the state-of-the-art developments in global industries, recognize the weaknesses in the Yangtze River Delta’s industrial system, and clarify the focuses and major tasks for its industrial development. Second, it is necessary to enhance the coordinated industrial development and optimized industrial labor division pattern in this area through the over-all planning and synergy of the Yangtze River Delta. Third, the cross-region interest fences and ramparts must be steadfastly eliminated so as to accelerate industrial integration and concentration, while improving regional industrial capacity. Fourth, industrial support for underachieving areas needs to be strengthened so as to better leverage the supportive role of new growth drivers in industrial development.

Key words: Yangtze River Delta, industrial structure, industrial labor division