Examining the Location Characteristics of Knowledge Industrial Space for Smart Planning and Industry 4.0: A Case Study of Hangzhou, China

Abstract

In the era of Industry 4.0, the knowledge economy is reshaping the global economic structure, which makes the research on the layout of knowledge industries particularly important. This study, using Hangzhou in China as a case, constructs an index system from two dimensions (i.e., business and living amenities), and compares three typical representative knowledge industries. The nearest neighbor index, kernel density, and stepwise regression model were adopted. Results revealed that: (1) The spatial agglomeration intensity of knowledge industries is varied in different classes, with the financial industry being the most agglomerated, scientific research technology service industry the second, and smart manufacturing industry the least agglomerated. (2) The spatial distribution of knowledge industries is agglomerated in the shape of “#”, which is in line with the urban skeleton. (3) For the distribution of the financial industry, parking lots and cafés are strong influencing factors. The scientific research technology service industry locates closer to sports and fitness amenities, colleges and universities, and parks, while the smart manufacturing industry has a strong connection with snacking spots, fast food, and scientific research institutions. The results can provide a decision-making basis for the micro-location selection of urban knowledge industries and the adjustment of future industrial planning in the intelligent era.