How Has the Inter-City Corporate Network Spatio-Temporally Evolved in China? Evidence from Chinese Investment in Newly Established Enterprises from 1980–2017

Based on social network analysis (SNA) and the modified Boston Matrix (also known as Market Growth Rate—Relative Market Share Matrix or Four Quadrant Analysis, which was developed by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in the early 1970s.), this paper presents the temporal and spatial evolution process of inter-city corporate investment networks in 338 city regions (prefecture level and above) in China from 1980 to 2017. First, we find that inter-city investment linkages formed a diamond-shaped connection structure, with Beijing–Shanghai–Shenzhen–Chongqing as the spatial vertices; moreover, the overall investment network underwent a transition from looseness to aggregation. Second, the spatial layout of module division presents a situation of overall fragmentation and partial agglomeration, and regional integration is increasing. Third, the resource control capability of nodes showed the Beijing unipolar pattern before the 2000s and developed into the Beijing–Shanghai–Hangzhou one-pole, dual-core pattern after the 2000s. The reachability of nodes presents the Beijing uni-polar pattern during all the study years. The core–periphery model of nodes weakened over the study period, and the nodes’ positions have obvious administrative hierarchy and economic level orientation. Fourth, the node potentials and development stages are stronger in the east than in the west overall. Finally, we propose some political implications that the government can consider in order to improve the regional coordination of development.