AN EXTENDED FRAMEWORK OF HIGH QUALITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/ij.v13i2.9463Abstract
China is currently in a period of high-quality economic development (HQED), which emphasizes coordination, innovation, sharing, openness, and green development. Although this stage of development has been ongoing for several years, the definition and measurement of HQED are not yet clear enough. Most research methods are still in the early stages and cannot fully capture the characteristics of HQED. Therefore, the study is to review existing relevant literature and expand the concept of HQED to causal factors and outcome indicators that affect HQED. By separating the five main causal factors of coordination, innovation, sharing, openness, and policy, as well as the three main outcome indicators of sustainable development, green development, and economic growth, the study can enhance the clarity of the concept and make future analysis of the HQED framework more robust. This differentiation method can reveal the driving force of HQED and distinguish it from other situations demonstrated by HQED, providing a better way to evaluate the development status of various provinces in China.
References
African Union. (2023). Linking Agenda 2063 and the SDGs. UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Bei, J. (2018). Study on the “high-quality development” economics. China Political Economy, 1(2), 163–180. https://doi.org/10.1108/CPE-10-2018-016
Bollen, K. A., & Bauldry, S. (2011). Three Cs in measurement models: Causal indicators, composite indicators, and covariates. Psychological Methods, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024448
Brandt, L., & Rawski, T. G. (2019). Policy, regulation and innovation in China’s electricity and telecom industries. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108645997
Brandt, L., & Thun, E. (2016). Constructing a ladder for growth: policy, markets, and industrial upgrading in China. World Development, 80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.11.001
Bye, B. V., Gallicchio, S. J., & Dykacz, J. M. (1985). Multiple-indicator, multiple-cause models for a single latent variable with ordinal indicators. Sociological Methods & Research, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124185013004003
Cai, F. (2020). The second demographic dividend as a driver of China’s growth. China and World Economy, 28(5). https://doi.org/10.1111/cwe.12350
Chen, A., & Groenewold, N. (2019). China’s ‘New Normal’: Is the growth slowdown demand- or supply-driven? China Economic Review, 58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chieco.2018.07.009
Chen, J., & Fleisher, B. M. (1996). Regional income inequality and economic growth in China. Journal of Comparative Economics, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.1006/jcec.1996.0015
Chen, L., & Huo, C. (2022). The measurement and influencing factors of high-quality economic development in China. Sustainability, 14(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159293
Chen, Z., Shang, Q., & Zhang, J. (2024). Recent progress in hukou reform and labor market integration in China: 1996–2022. China Economic Review, 87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chieco.2024.102231
China Daily. (2023, January 20). China’s green development in the new era. China Daily. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202301/20/WS63c9d37fa31057c47ebaabe1_1.html
Ding, C., Liu, C., Zheng, C., & Li, F. (2022). Digital economy, technological innovation and high-quality economic development: Based on spatial effect and mediation effect. Sustainability, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010216
Finch, W. H., & French, B. F. (2011). Estimation of MIMIC model parameters with multilevel data. Structural Equation Modeling, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/10705511.2011.557338
Gao, C., & Li, S. (2019). Fiscal decentralization, human capital and high-quality growth. Study of Public Finance, 21–32. https://doi.org/10.19477/j.cnki.11-1077/f.2019.09.003
Gu, Y., Zhang, X., & Ma, X. (2025). A systematic interpretation of high-quality development. China-CEE Institute, 5. https://china-cee.eu/2025/03/20/a-systematic-interpretation-of-high-quality-development/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Han, Y., Yang, Q., & Tian, P. (2024). The fundamentals of boosting high-quality development by megaprojects: A systematic literature review. In Project Leadership and Society (Vol. 5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plas.2024.100140
Jiang, G. H. (2023). The Rise of China’s Industrial Policy, 1978 to 2020, by Barry Naughton. The China Journal, 89. https://doi.org/10.1086/722891
Kanbur, R., & Zhang, X. (2005). Fifty years of regional inequality in China: A journey through central planning, reform, and openness. Review of Development Economics, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9361.2005.00265.x
Khan, M. K., Sandano, I. A., Pratt, C. B., & Farid, T. (2018). China’s Belt and Road Initiative: A global model for an evolving approach to sustainable regional development. Sustainability (Switzerland), 10(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/su10114234
Kong, Q., Peng, D., Ni, Y., Jiang, X., & Wang, Z. (2021). Trade openness and economic growth quality of China: Empirical analysis using ARDL model. Finance Research Letters, 38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2020.101488
Li, C., Wan, J., Xu, Z., & Lin, T. (2021). Impacts of green innovation, institutional constraints and their interactions on high-quality economic development across China. Sustainability, 13(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095277
Li, X., Li, S., Li, C., Shi, J., & Wang, N. (2023). The impact of high-quality development on ecological footprint: An empirical research based on STIRPAT model. Ecological Indicators, 154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.110881
Lin, J. Y. (2019). China’s growth deceleration: Causes and future growth prospect. Frontiers of Economics in China, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3868/s060-008-019-0003-1
Liu, L., & Li, X. (2024). A study on the impact of green finance on the high-quality economic development of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Sustainability, 16(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062433
Liu, M. (2023). Scientific and technological innovation, industrial structure upgrading and high-quality economic development - Based on the sample of 108 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology (Social Science Edition), 25, 151–160. https://doi.org/10.16822/j.cnki.hitskb.2023.05.019
Liu, R., Wang, H., Ning, X., Cai, X., & Zhang, X. (2023). The impact of coordinated development policy on the spatiotemporal changes of industrial structure of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration. Sustainability, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108427
Liu, X. (2020). Structural changes and economic growth in China over the past 40 years of reform and opening-up. China Political Economy, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1108/cpe-05-2020-0010
Liu, X., Duan, D., Wang, X., Yang, J., He, Y., & Sun, X. (2020). Construction and measurement of China’s provincial quality of economic growth index system under new normal conditions. Science and Technology Management Research, 40, 38–45. https://kns.cnki.net/kcms2/article/abstract?v=Y2E-z2Sa5COUybcbLymulSffervjxV8xVVINTKcS65K0C3ZTQvTn6E3oAIg3gO1kZJMAbYnoO04Rk4P3AOzNen7lBMwcGv-Dyu15fIVJnIHiUl0ghTNssN_zRjxrik8-SlH45Dt6cuFl9tfsHlZb7fmWayLIM0ffATotK3WeyyTsKPIvexyhnw==&uniplatform=NZKPT&language=CHS
Liu, Y., Liu, M., Wang, G., Zhao, L., & An, P. (2021). Effect of environmental regulation on high-quality economic development in China - An empirical analysis based on dynamic spatial Durbin model. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28(39). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13780-2
Ma, X., & Xu, J. (2022). Impact of environmental regulation on high-quality economic development. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.896892
Miao, B., & Zhou, W. (2021). High-quality economic development: theoretical connotation and practical path. Reform and Strategy, 37, 53–60. https://doi.org/10.16331/j.cnki.issn1002-736x.2021.01.006
National Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Statistical monitoring report on coordinated regional economic development in China. https://www.stats.gov.cn/
Naughton, B. (2007). The Chinese economy: Transitions and growth. MIT Press, 78–84. https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262640640/the-chinese-economy/
Peng, D., & Zhu, M. (2020). Analysis of priority on influencing factors of high-quality economic development and the evaluation. Eco-Economy, 36, 50-56+76. https://kns.cnki.net/reader/flowpdf invoice=inoj4Ui%2FKg7SSCY4r3TwLPI%2BDlWI7%2BF6SXHpH842RFvwBpWBr03MF%2FmwBnyeX0HOdpV2eNTxbEyH5S0zPKe%2BzsCRdMI3QKXzDTN6mDjaxL%2BHCJn3PiDfxjU9GV6IkZXMdEU7oMncM28VqmSC2prHycVIrBcYcGGR3ij66uQqwWY%3D&platform=NZKPT&product=CJFQ&filename=STJJ202012010&tablename=cjfdlast2020&type=JOURNAL&scope=trial&dflag=pdf&pages=&language=CHS&trial=&nonce=978154B13D3144D8AD6880F152D8B717&cflag=pdf
Prasetyo, P. E., & Kistanti, N. R. (2020). Human capital, institutional economics and entrepreneurship as a driver for quality and sustainable economic growth. Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.9770/jesi.2020.7.4(1)
Pye, L. W., & Economy, E. C. (2004). The river runs black: the environmental challenge to China’s future. Foreign Affairs, 83(5). https://doi.org/10.2307/20034118
Qiu, Y., & Hu, H. (2023). Does the coordinated development of two-way FDI promote the high-quality development of China’s economy? Social Science Journal of Hunan Normal University, 52, 67–78. https://doi.org/10.19503/j.cnki.1000-2529.2023.03.008
Ren, B., & Wen, F. (2018). The criteria, determinants and ways to achieve high quality development in China in the new era. Reform, 5–16. https://kns.cnki.net/reader/flowpdf?invoice=hleVJKq638RSdPdKEId0tVz3p%2F7GcH349Vcyj%2Bw0zMuOLCVtCPuRSjAuOr15kAxF90%2Bzm0IVpdpK%2BjrcZ%2FT9zlRh7Vx1HjAJd1qTLI9QpxbYe39e9cu26B7UV%2BoCiEmTcdvh9mFhgkPM%2B9G0zlsQ7Zm9ZLBN5T3P9dmMvxLpj3I%3D&platform=NZKPT&product=CJFQ&filename=REFO201804001&tablename=cjfdlast2018&type=JOURNAL&scope=trial&dflag=pdf&pages=1-2&language=CHS&trial=1-2&nonce=2E6A94A1B44D4D8D9EC180B016D42209&cflag=pdf
Sands, B. N., & Riskin, C. (1988). China’s Political Economy: The quest for development since 1949. The Economic History Review, 41(2). https://doi.org/10.2307/2596090
Schumpeter, J. A. (1934). The theory of economic development: An inquiry into profits, credit, interest, and the business cycle. In Social Science Electronic Publishing (Vol. 25, Number 1).
Segal, A. (2003). Digital dragon: high-technology enterprises in China. In Cornell studies in political economy. https://www.cfr.org/book/digital-dragon?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Shapiro, J. (2001). Mao’s war against nature: Politics and the environment in revolutionary China. In Cambridge University Press. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511512063.003
Solow, R. M. (1956). A contribution to the theory of economic growth. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 70(1), 65–94. https://doi.org/10.2307/1884513
State Council, C. (2021). Working guidance for carbon dioxide peaking and carbon neutrality in full and faithful implementation of the new development philosophy. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2021-10/24/content_5644613.htm?eqid=dd0858d50015ab6900000004646e2a99&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Su, Y., & Chen, C. (2019). Construction and empirical research of evaluation index system for high-quality economic development. Statistics and Decision Making, 35(24), 38–41. https://doi.org/10.13546/j.cnki.tjyjc.2019.24.008
Sultana, Y. (2019). China’s economic transformation under “New Normal.” Modern Diplomacy. https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2019/02/18/chinas-economic-transformation-under-new-normal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Wang, C., & Yu, H. (2024). Research on the evaluation of the high-quality development of the modern service industry under the background of reduction development: A case study of Beijing. Sustainability, 16(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083224
Wang, X., & Cao, Z. (2020). The connotation, characteristics and requirements of high-quality economic development in China. China’s National Conditions and Strength, 14–17. https://doi.org/10.13561/j.cnki.zggqgl.2020.06.005
Wang, Y., & Kuang, Y. (2023). Evaluation, regional disparities and driving mechanisms of high-quality agricultural development in China. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076328
Wei, M., & Li, S. (2018). Research on the measurement of China’s high-quality economic development level in the new era. Technical Economics, 35, 3–20. https://doi.org/10.13653/j.cnki.jqte.2018.11.001
Wen, J., & Zhou, Y. (2025). Trade openness and urban green innovation: A dual perspective based on financial agglomeration and human capital accumulation. Sustainable Futures, 9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.100478
World Bank, & DRC. (2013). China 2030: Building a modern, harmonious, and creative society. In China 2030.
Wu, Y., Sun, H., Zhang, L., & Cui, C. (2025). Green investment and quality of economic development: Evidence from China. International Review of Financial Analysis, 103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2025.104147
Xi, J. (2017, October 18). Full text of Xi Jinping’s report at 19th CPC National Congress. Xinhua News Agency. http://www.xinhuanet.com//english/special/2017-11/03/c_136725942.htm
Xi, J. (2019, December 12). China holds key economic meeting to plan for 2020. Xinhua. https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/12/c_138626302.htm
Xie, G., Zhang, L., & Zhao, C. (2021). Fiscal decentralization, local government competition and high-quality economic development. Statistics and Decision, 37, 124–128. https://doi.org/10.13546/j.cnki.tjyjc.2021.05.027
Xie, Y., & Zhou, X. (2014). Income inequality in today’s China. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 111(19). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1403158111
Xu, S., Chen, Y., Lyulyov, O., & Pimonenko, T. (2023). Green technology innovation and high-quality economic development: Spatial spillover effect. Prague Economic Papers, 32(3). https://doi.org/10.18267/j.pep.833
Yang, W., Chen, Q., Dao, Y., Huang, X., & Shao, W. (2023). Ecological civilization and high-quality development: Do tourism industry and technological progress affect ecological economy development? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010783
Yi, Z., Cao, X., & Qin, L. (2025). Evaluation of socially and culturally coordinated development in cities of Yangtze River economic belt and its spatial correlation. Land, 14(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061226
Yifu Lin, J. (1992). Rural reforms and agricultural growth in China. American Economic Review, 82(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780199240609.003.0010
Zhan, J., Liu, S., Su, H., & Zhang, F. (2022). Editorial: Solutions to high-quality development: Theories and practices in ecological aspects. In Frontiers in Environmental Science (Vol. 10). https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.1028676
Zhang, J., Chen, S., & Prettner, K. (2025). Measuring “high-quality development” and progress toward “common prosperity” in China. Social Indicators Research, 179(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-025-03577-y
Zhang, J., Zhang, N., & Bai, S. (2021). Assessing the carbon emission changing for sustainability and high-quality economic development. Environmental Technology and Innovation, 22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2021.101464
Zhang, S., Han, Z., & Guo, M. (2024). FDI, new development philosophy and China’s high-quality economic development. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 26(10). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03677-0
Zhang, Y., Fang, Z., & Xie, Z. (2023). Study on the coupling coordination between ecological environment and high-quality economic development in urban agglomerations in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043612
Zhang, Y., & Yao, C. (2014, November 10). Xi’s “new normal” theory. People’s Daily Online. https://en.people.cn/n/2014/1110/c90883-8807112.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Zhang, Z., & Bai, Y. (2024). Research on whether quality policies can promote the high-quality development of China’s manufacturing industry and its configuration paths in the context of sustainable development. Sustainability, 16(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219539
Zhang, Z., Guo, X., Zhang, X., & Li, B. (2021). Financial agglomeration, human capital structure evolution and high-quality economic development. Statistics and Decision, 37, 10–14. https://doi.org/10.13546/j.cnki.tjyjc.2021.02.002
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Yi Huang, Yan-Ling Tan, Roslina Mohamad Shafi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
