Economic geography core-periphery model based on qualities of space

With the transformation of the economy from material product reproduction to data, information, knowledge, and intelligent reproduction, the Krugman Core-Periphery Model, which focuses on traditional tangible material product factors, is no longer able to systematically explain the phenomenon of spatial agglomeration of economic activities and the mechanism of talent regional migration in China. This article constructs a new core-periphery model based on the theory of new spatial economics, which includes qualities of space and its premium effect. The study finds that: Firstly, the new model has new characteristics such as quasi-burst aggregation, asymmetric maintenance points, and spatial differences in completely free trade; Secondly, non-agricultural labor tends to be in areas with higher qualities of space, and the larger the gap in qualities of space, the more obvious the trend of mobility; Thirdly, narrowing the gap in qualities of space requires comprehensive consideration of various factors such as the level of convenience facilities in each region and the cost of intra-regional and inter-regional travel. The research results indicate that promoting high-quality and coordinated regional development in the future requires a scientific understanding of the impact of qualities of space on the spatial location of economic activities. It is necessary to grasp the theoretical logic of narrowing the gap in qualities of space and attach importance to regional integration construction of qualities of space. © 2024 Science Press. All rights reserved.