Liu Xinyu
Zhiling Zhao
Amidst the profound transformation of China’s economy and the ongoing implementation of the regional coordinated development strategy, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, recognized for its national strategic importance, bears the critical responsibility of advancing regional development and achieving ecological civilization construction. Chongqing, situated in the upper sections of the Yangtze River, holds a crucial role in the Yangtze River Economic Belt due to its distinctive geographical features and abundant historical and cultural legacy. Nonetheless, due to its hilly topography, distinctive economic structure, and industrial configuration, Chongqing has faced numerous hurdles in its pursuit of high-quality growth, necessitating prompt and effective interventions from relevant government authorities.
Initially, the municipal scale structure requires optimization, as the regional development is unbalanced. Regional development is characterized by imbalance and disharmony due to the substantial disparities in economic development, infrastructure construction, and industrial architecture among regions in Chongqing. The imbalance between urban and rural development and the development level gap between the main metropolis and the peripheral areas are particularly evident. Nevertheless, the urban scale structure requires optimization, despite the high rate of urbanization. The urbanization rates demonstrate the disparity in the urban scale structure among various regions and necessitate additional optimization and adjustment.
Secondly, the capacity for sustainable development must be promptly enhanced in response to the energy structure challenge. Chongqing is the sole province and city in the western region with a net energy input, despite the complex circumstances of inadequate coal, limited water, gas, and the absence of oil. In 2021, the coal resources in Chongqing were entirely shut down as a result of the challenging mining conditions and the occurrence conditions. Simultaneously, the geographical environment restricts the availability of scenery resources, while conventional hydropower resources are already fully utilized. Despite the fact that the Three Rivers traverse the region, the karst landform and mountainous terrain present challenges to the efficient utilization of water resources. Despite the relative abundance of natural gas resources, Chongqing is devoid of substantial crude oil reserves.
In Chongqing, a significant portion of the power supply and thermal power is generated by the aforementioned factors, and a portion of the power demand is contingent upon outsourcing. During the summer, the power shortage resulted in the shutdown of enterprises and a significant impact on commercial electricity consumption, which is notably evident due to the increased temperature. The power imbalance in Chongqing is anticipated to widen. The quality of life of residents is also impacted by the power supply shortage, which poses a threat to economic development.
Third, the upgrading of traditional infrastructure and the enhancement of new urban infrastructure are both necessary. The traditional infrastructure construction in Chongqing is inadequate in comparison to the city’s urban development requirements. The primary sewage treatment plants in Chongqing, including Mingjingtan and Shenming Dam, have been operating at full capacity, while Tuokou Sewage Treatment Plant has exceeded the design load. Subsequently, there is a substantial disparity between the traditional infrastructure construction of Chongqing and the eastern coastal cities. For instance, the existing two-way, four-lane expressway in Chongqing is unable to accommodate the increasing demand for passenger and cargo transportation as a result of the complex terrain.
Chongqing is confronted with a variety of challenges in the construction of new urban infrastructure, including the inadequacy of digital infrastructure construction, the need for improved data resource integration and management, the acceleration of digital transformation, the enhancement of the digital city governance system, and the reinforcement of data security protection. It is imperative to enhance the quality and efficiency of urban governance and the digital municipal operation and governance center. For instance, the one-stop operation of government services and the resolution of the time-consuming and cumbersome issues faced by the populace and enterprises can be achieved by promoting a single initiative at a time.
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Fourth, the capacity for technological innovation is restricted, and the supply and demand of talents are unbalanced. The technological innovation capacity of Chongqing has significant potential for improvement, particularly in the areas of innovation foundation and ability, Industry-University-Research accommodation, and the capacity to contribute to economic and social development. The primary issue is the disparity between the supply and demand of talent. For example, conventional engineering technology and fundamental science. Nevertheless, there is a clear dearth of professionals in critical sectors, including digital finance and the digital economy, and these professionals frequently relocate to more competitive eastern cities.
The industries in short supply are broadly distributed, as evidenced by the talents in the fields of digital economy and digital finance in Chongqing. In particular, the demand for talent has reached an exceptionally low level in the areas of data analysis and application, risk control modeling, risk control strategy analysis, and big data research and development.
Consequently, the subsequent recommendations and countermeasures are proposed: Initially, enhance the level of regional connectivity and coordinated development. Enhance the operational efficiency and coverage of the transportation network. This encompasses the optimization and upgrading of the current expressway network, as well as the expansion of the expressway’s total mileage and lanes. In the case of the Chengdu-Chongqing Expressway, the section from Jiulongpo to Huancheng Expressway has been in a normal state of congestion, while the traffic from Huancheng to Yongchuan has surpassed the design service level.
The Chengdu-Chongqing Expressway, which was completed and opened to traffic in 1995, is unable to accommodate the growing traffic volume. The original Chengdu-Chongqing Expressway can be expanded to eight lanes in each direction after thorough investigation and analysis. Furthermore, in order to optimize logistics distribution and traffic management, Chongqing should implement advanced technologies, including intelligent transportation systems and big data analysis. Enhance regional connectivity and fortify the connection between cities, cities, and villages. Second, enhance the construction and investment of digital infrastructure, including the construction of infrastructure such as Internet backbone direct connection points, industrial Internet logo analysis nodes, and computing network hub nodes, to enhance regional network connectivity and information transmission speed.
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Enhance the coordinated development level of regional industrial chains, promote the development of digital economy, and accelerate the digital transformation of industries. Third, develop a long-term regional development plan that is forward-thinking, effectively integrate resources between municipal and district administrations, and coordinate urban development and rural revitalization. Enhance the integration of rural and urban infrastructure, enhance the quality of education, transportation, and healthcare in rural areas, and reduce the regional disparity. Simultaneously, enhance collaboration with neighboring provinces and localities, establish regional cooperation mechanisms, and collaborate to advance the western region’s development strategy.
The second objective is to improve the capacity for sustainable ecological development. Enhancing the capacity for green sustainable development is a multifaceted endeavor that encompasses a variety of components, including urban planning and energy transformation. Promoting the fundamental transformation of energy structure is the critical factor. We should enhance our backing for green industries, promote the implementation of renewable energy and environmental protection technologies, and decrease our dependence on fossil fuels. In addition to utilizing conventional hydropower resources, Chongqing should also investigate and implement alternative renewable energy sources, including solar energy. Solar energy has significant application potential in Chongqing, as it can be enhanced by enhancing the conversion efficiency of solar cells and developing solar technology that is suitable for overcast or foggy weather. This approach allows for the diversification of the energy structure, which in turn enhances the sustainability and purity of energy utilization.
Secondly, expedite the implementation of green city planning and encourage the intelligent construction of urban infrastructure. To enhance the ecological quality of the city, it is recommended that the preservation and expansion of green spaces, including parks and green belts, be taken into account. Green roofs, energy-saving windows, and the recycling of building materials are among the energy-saving and environmentally beneficial materials and technologies that are implemented in architectural design. In addition, Chongqing will implement advanced pilot projects, including smart drainage and smart pipe networks, to improve the efficacy of urban operation and resource utilization, as well as to strengthen its comprehensive capacity for sustainable development and ecological protection.
Third, establish a fundamental framework to facilitate the development and modernization of intelligent municipal infrastructure. Initially, construct and enhance the fundamental framework of the urban information model, integrate the data and information of urban infrastructure, and implement the comprehensive management and monitoring of infrastructure.
Secondly, establish a mooring platform that facilitates the financing and construction of infrastructure projects by facilitating communication between the government, finance, and enterprises. We can enhance the decision-making and management level of infrastructure construction by establishing a data exchange mechanism with relevant departments and enterprises, which will promote the circulation and application of data.
Third, encourage the development and modernization of intelligent municipal infrastructure, including the smart road network, smart parking, smart water supply, smart drainage, and smart piping network. Utilize intelligent methods and sophisticated technology to enhance the efficiency and operational capabilities of infrastructure. The introduction of social capital and the encouragement and attraction of the private sector to participate in infrastructure initiatives should be prioritized during the implementation process. We will investigate the market-oriented operation mode, alleviate the financial burden of the government, and efficiently leverage the private sector’s management experience, technology, and funds through the public-private cooperation mode.
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The fourth objective is to create an environment that is conducive to the recruitment and retention of highly competent personnel. The sustainable development of Chongqing is contingent upon the effective attraction, retention, and stimulation of the potential of talents. The initial step is to enhance collaboration between industry, universities, and research institutions. This will involve the deep integration of industry with local universities, scientific research institutions, and enterprises, as well as the industrialization and transformation of scientific and technological accomplishments.
Additionally, channels for talent training and absorption should be established. Second, create a talent exchange platform to facilitate the exchange and influx of talents. We will attract exceptional talents to work and establish businesses in Chongqing by organizing employment fairs and talent exchange activities. Additionally, we will provide additional development opportunities and exchange platforms for local talents. Third, actively open up and implement policy incentives. The government has the ability to offer tax incentives, housing subsidies, and other incentives, particularly to highly skilled personnel and experts in specific industries or disciplines. Additionally, the government can provide additional support and resources. Furthermore, Chongqing should enhance its collaboration with other regions and countries, attract international talent, diversify its talent pool, and enhance the city’s talent structure.
Xinyu Liu is Scholar at the Criminal Investigation School, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, People’s Republic of China.
Zhiling Zhao is Scholar at the Baize Institute for Strategy Studies, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, People’s Republic of China.
