scholarly journals The Impact of Environmental Conditions on Urban Eco-Sustainable Total Factor Productivity: A Case Study of 21 Cities in Guangdong Province, China

Author(s):  
Haidong Yu ◽  
Juanjuan Zhao

Environmental protection has attracted much attention. This study first describes the status of the ecological environment and then uses data envelopment analysis and the system the system generalized method of moments (GMM) model to study the relationship between the environmental status and ecological sustainable total factor productivity (ESTFP) in 21 prefecture-level cities of Guangdong Province. The main conclusions of this study are as follows. (1) The ecological index (EI), which reflects the ecological environment, shows a general trend of first decreasing and then rising. The average EI value decreased from 80.95 in 2008 to 68.71 in 2011 and then gradually increased to 74.76 in 2017. (2) The ecological sustainable total factor productivity (ESTFP = 0.960), including the two additional dimensions of the urban resource consumption index (URCI) and urban pollution discharge index (UPDI), is better than the traditional total factor productivity (TFP = 0.954). (3) The EI has a highly significant positive promoting effect on ESTFP at a significance level of 1%. The methods and results from this research provide an important scientific reference for the research on urban production efficiency and sustainable urban development in China.

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaocang Xu ◽  
Lu Zhang ◽  
Linhong Chen ◽  
Chengjie Liu

The decision in 2006 to abolish the agricultural tax, which had lasted for thousands of years, contributed to the prosperity of agriculture, and with it the growing importance of soil N2O emissions in China. However, most of the previous literature ignored soil N2O emissions due to their too small share in total agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper attempts to take soil N2O emissions as an important variable in the measurement of agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP), which incorporates environmental pollution into the analytical framework of agricultural production efficiency. Three impressive results were found. Firstly, soil N2O emissions play an increasingly important role in agricultural GHG emissions. The proportion of soil N2O emissions in agricultural GHG emissions increased from 4.52% in 1998 to 4.83% in 2006, and then to 5.36% in 2016. Secondly, the regional difference of soil N2O emissions in AGTFP is visible. In 2016, although soil N2O emissions accounted for a small proportion (about 5%) of the total agricultural GHG emissions in China, the AGTFP including soil N2O emissions was much lower than that excluding soil N2O emissions, especially in areas with high agricultural and population density. Finally, over time, soil N2O emissions have had an increasing effect on AGTFP. Compared with 1998–2006, the impact of excluding soil N2O emissions on AGTFP in 2007–2016 was more evident than that including soil N2O emissions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Chiang Lee ◽  
Mingli Zeng ◽  
Changsong Wang

Abstract In recent years, China's economy has experienced a rapid transformation period from rugged economic development to a sustainable economic development style. Increasing green total factor productivity (GTFP) is considered as one of the important signs. The application of innovation capability (ICY) is becoming more and more widely used in modern life. But it is still unclear how ICY can affect GTFP. With increasingly stricter environmental laws and regulations, how environmental regulations (ER) affect GTFP is unclear. This research contributes to the literature on the impact mechanisms of ICY and ER on GTFP using the data on 30 Chinese provinces covering the period from 2006-2017. The results indicate both ICY and ER can effectively promote GTFP. Compared with ER, ICY has obvious heterogeneity on GTFP, that is, the stronger the ICY is, the stronger it promoting effect on GTFP. Next, ICY plays an intermediary role in ER and GTFP, and ER can promote GTFP through ICY. Accordingly, the paper puts forward some policy suggestions, such as optimizing and improving ER policy, unswervingly practicing innovation-driven development strategy, strengthening monitoring and supervision.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan Zhang

The vigorous development of modern information and communication technology (ICT) has driven the digital trade featured by the ICT technique and industry as the carrier. This study empirically tests the impact of ICT-based digital trade openness on green total factor productivity (GTFP) by selecting ICT as the representative digital trade data of 30 provinces in China over the timespan 2002–2018. We employ the slack-based model and global Malmquist–Luenberger (SBM-GML) estimation method to calculate the provincial GTFP and explore the heterogeneous impact of digital trade openness on GTFP through the scale effect, technology effect, and structure effect. In terms of empirical results, the panel fixed model and panel quantile estimation model both suggest the same findings. With the continuous expansion of the scale of digital trade, its scale effect has a significant inhibitory effect on GTFP, whereas the structure effect combined with human capital and the technology effect correlated with technological research and development (R&D) have a significant promoting effect on GTFP. The panel quantile regression model reveals that the interaction intensity increases gradually from a low quantile to high quantile. Further robustness tests also verify the consistency and stability of the results. Finally, the study puts forward corresponding practical suggestions for the construction of a high-quality open pattern of digital trade and the coordinated development of GTFP. The specific policy implications include the following: (1) Emphasize on the penetration and connection effect of the new generation of ICT, and strengthen the construction of enterprise informatization. (2) Expand digital trade openness and broaden the field of industrial cooperation. (3) Optimize the industrial structure of digital trade, and accelerate the development of core industries of digital trade. (4) Gradually promote the transformation of digital trade from relying on quantity and scale to product quality.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-190
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abdullah ◽  
Murshed Chowdhury

This study examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the total factor productivity (TFP) of host countries. Extensions of the new growth theory provide a framework in which FDI increases the growth rate of a host country through technology transfer, diffusion and spillover effects. We construct four new series of TFP using the framework of neoclassical growth models. We also address the issue of endogeneity using the generalized method of moments. Our estimations using a balanced panel of 77 low- and middle-income countries suggest that FDI could not promote TFP in the countries studied. Our sensitivity analysis, in terms of alternative estimation methods, data, models and time period, reinforces the findings. We observe that the lack of absorptive capacity is likely to be an important reason for not having a direct relationship between FDI and TFP. JEL Classification: F21, F23, O33, F43, C33


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-305
Author(s):  
Ivana Blažková ◽  
Ondřej Dvouletý ◽  
Ondřej Machek

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate factors that drive the total factor productivity (TFP) and its growth in the Czech food industry over 2003–2017. The authors’ analysis focuses on firm-level characteristics such as location choice, sub-sector affiliation, use of debt, liquidity, asset turnover, firm size and firm age.Design/methodology/approachThe determinants of productivity were tested econometrically by estimation of multivariate regression models. The firm-level panel data set consisted of 14,488 observations (data of 980 firms spanning 15 years). TFP was estimated by three regression-based techniques – ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, instrumental variables (IV) approach and two-way generalized method of moments (GMM) regression. All three measures of TFP were used as outcome variables to estimate the impact of firm-level determinants on both TFP level and growth.FindingsThe results have shown statistically significant and reversed U-shaped relationship between the firm age and the TFP level (with a turning point in the age of 12.5 years). However, the dynamic models investigating the TFP growth have found that younger firms achieve higher productivity growth in comparison with older ones. Higher market share and assets turnover were positively associated with both TFP level and its growth.Research limitations/implicationsThis study brings several relevant propositions for future research. First, the authors recommend future researchers to study not only differences in the levels of productivity but also determinants of its growth. Second, the authors believe that adding a non-linear component to age as a factor explaining changes in the levels of productivity might be a very relevant contribution to the literature.Originality/valueAlthough it is generally accepted that successful and sustainable growth of firms, regions and economies can be achieved particularly through viable companies with high productivity, there is still a limited number of firm-level studies explaining the determinants of productivity levels and growth in agribusiness sectors in transition economies. Therefore, this study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of this important topic.


Author(s):  
Qiong Wu ◽  
Kanittha Tambunlertchai ◽  
Pongsa Pornchaiwiseskul

The global warming has become a serious issue in the world since the 1980s. The targets for the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol cover emissions of the six main greenhouse gasses (GHGs). China is the world's largest CO2 emitter and coal consumer and was responsible for 27.3 percent of the global total CO2 emission and 50.6 percent of the global total coal consumption in 2016 (BP, 2017). As China plays an important role in the global climate change, China has set goals to improve its environmental efficiency and performance. In 2011, the Chinese government for the first time announced an intent to establish carbon emission trading market in China. Eight regional emission trading schemes have been operating since 2013 (seven pilot markets during the 12th Five Year Plan period and one pilot market during the 13th Five Year Plan period) including provinces of Guangdong, Hubei, and Fujian, and cities of Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chongqing. The goal of these regional emission trading pilot markets is to help the government establish an efficient carbon emission trading scheme at national level. Some researchers have been focused on examining the impact of emission trading schemes in China using CGE model by constructing different scenarios and ex-ante analysis using data prior to emission trading pilot markets implementation. While this paper tries to conduct an ex-post analysis with data of 2005-2017 to evaluate the impact of emission trading pilot markets in China at provincial level using difference-in-difference (DID) model. By including both CO2 and SO2 as undesirable outputs to calculate Malmquist-Luenberger (ML) Index to measure green total factor productivity, this paper plans to evaluate the impact of carbon emission trading pilot markets in China via emission reduction, regional green development, synergy effect and influencing channels. This paper tries to answer the following research questions: (1) Do emission trading pilot markets reduce CO2 emission and increase regional green total factor productivity? (2) Is there any synergy effect from emission trading pilot markets? (3) What are the influencing channels of emission trading pilot markets? Keywords: Emission trading, CO2 emissions, Different-in-difference


ABSTRACT The present study was undertaken to explore the evolution of the impact of firm-level performance on employment level and wages in the Indian organized manufacturing sector over the period 1989-90 to 2013-14. One of the major components of the economic reform package was the deregulation and de-licensing in the Indian organized manufacturing sector. The impact of firm-level performance on employment and wages were estimated for Indian organized manufacturing sector in major sub-sectors in India during the period from 1989-90 to 2013-14 of the various variables namely profitability ratio, total factor productivity change, technical change, technical efficiency, openness (export-import), investment intensity, raw material intensity and FECI in total factor productivity index, technical efficiency, and technical change. The study exhibited that all explanatory variables except profitability ratio and technical change cost had a positive impact on the employment level. Out of eight variables, four variables such as net of foreign equity capital, investment intensity, TFPCH, and technical efficiency change showed a positive impact on wages and salary ratio and rest of the four variables such as openness intensity, technology acquisition index, profitability ratio, and technical change had negative impact on wages and salary ratio. In this context, the profit ratio should be distributed as per the marginal rule of economics such as the marginal productivity of labour and capital.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-152
Author(s):  
Xialing Sun ◽  
Rui Zhang ◽  
Xue Chen ◽  
Pengpeng Li ◽  
Jin Guo

Background: The sustainable development of the building industry has drawn increasing attention around the world. Nanomaterials and nanotechnology play an important role in the processes of energy saving and reducing consumption in the building industry. Nanotechnology patents provide key technological support for the green development of the building industry. Based on patent data in China, this paper quantitatively analyzed the application of nanotechnology patents in the building industry and the time trend, regional differences, and evolution of China's nano-patent applications in the building field. Methods: In this study, the environmental total factor productivity of the building industry considering carbon constraints was determined and then used as the dependent variable to measure the green development of the building industry. On this basis, a panel data regression model was constructed to determine the impact of nano-patents on the green development of the building industry. Results: Nanotechnology patents in the building industry can significantly improve total factor productivity. From the perspective of patent composition, technology-based patents that focus on substantial innovation can significantly promote the green development of the building industry, whereas strategic patents show a significant inhibitory effect. Regionally, the western region of China has the advantage of being less developed and thus more efficient than the central and eastern regions in the application of new nano-products. Finally, the research also showed a significant lag in the application of China's nanotechnology patents and low implementation efficiency. Conclusion: Nano patents can promote green development in the building industry, but there is room for improvement in the speed with which laboratory inventions are transformed into building engineering applications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gui Ye ◽  
Yuhe Wang ◽  
Yuxin Zhang ◽  
Liming Wang ◽  
Houli Xie ◽  
...  

Total factor productivity (TFP) is of critical importance to the sustainable development of construction industry. This paper presents an analysis on the impact of migrant workers on TFP in Chinese construction sector. Interestingly, Solow Residual Approach is applied to conduct the analysis through comparing two scenarios, namely the scenario without considering migrant workers (Scenario A) and the scenario with including migrant workers (Scenario B). The data are collected from the China Statistical Yearbook on Construction and Chinese Annual Report on Migrant Workers for the period of 2008–2015. The results indicate that migrant workers have a significant impact on TFP, during the surveyed period they improved TFP by 10.42% in total and promoted the annual average TFP growth by 0.96%. Hence, it can be seen that the impact of migrant workers on TFP is very significant, whilst the main reason for such impact is believed to be the improvement of migrant workers’ quality obtained mainly throughout learning by doing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7603
Author(s):  
Xiangdong Liu ◽  
Guangxi Cao

The key to transforming China’s economy from high-speed growth to high-quality development is to improve total factor productivity (TFP). Based on the panel data of China’s listed companies participating in PPP (Public–Private Partnerships) projects from 2010 to 2019, this paper constructs the time-varying DID method to test the impact of participation in PPP projects on the company’s TFP empirically, explore the mechanism of the effect of participation in PPP projects on the company’s TFP, and then conduct heterogeneous analysis from four perspectives: region, industry, ownership form, and operation mode. The empirical results show that participation in PPP projects can significantly promote the growth of the company’s TFP, which mainly comes from the promotion of the innovation level of listed companies and the alleviation of financing constraints by participating in PPP projects. In addition, participation in PPP projects has a significant impact on TFP of listed companies in the eastern region, listed companies in the secondary and tertiary industries, state-owned listed companies, and listed companies participating in PPP projects under the BOT mode.


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