中国城市功能专业化及影响因素：来自专精特新“小巨人”企业的实证

Based on the 6 batches of specialized, refined, differential, and innovative (SRDI) “little giant” enterprises recognized by the ministry of industry and information technology between 2019 and 2024, this study categorizes them into 4 functional segments: corporate headquarters, research and development, manufacturing, and operational services. By applying a headquarters-branch structure assignment model and the self-organizing feature map (SOFM) model, the study investigates the spatial patterns of functional specialization among Chinese cities. Additionally, it employs negative binomial regression as well as ordinal and multinomial logistic regression models to identify influencing factors. The findings indicate that: 1) Functional specialization in Chinese cities exhibits marked spatial concentration and differentiation. Eastern coastal cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen dominate the layout of high-end functions, while central and western cities primarily undertake manufacturing roles. For most cities, the level of functional specialization generally aligns with their administrative hierarchy; however, in some traditional core cities like Kunming and Lanzhou, mismatches between hierarchy and specialization are observed. 2) The functional specialization system can be classified into 3 tiers: Functionally diversified, functionally balanced, and manufacturing-dominated cities. These types do not demonstrate significant regional clustering. 3) Over time, cities led by high-end functions—such as Hangzhou and Wuhan—have experienced increasing functional diversification, while small and medium-sized cities are becoming more specialized in manufacturing. Overall, this reflects a trend of intensified functional solidification and growing polarization. 4) Factors such as technological support, business environment, consumption level, and transportation accessibility significantly promote the deepening of functional specialization in Chinese cities. In contrast, the level of economic development and degree of openness exert suppressive effects on operational services and manufacturing functions, respectively.