The Coordinated Development Characteristics of Rural Industry and Employment: A Case Study of Chongqing, China

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This well-structured manuscript offers valuable insights into the role of employment-centered strategies in rural industrial development. The study is thorough and presents a strong theoretical foundation for policy-making in the context of rural development. Below are some suggestions to further enhance the manuscript and increase its impact:

1-Introduction：

The research questions should be explicitly stated in the introduction. Clearly outlining the research questions at the beginning will help readers immediately understand the specific focus of the study. This will also help guide the reader through the subsequent analysis and findings, making the structure of the paper even more coherent.

2-Discussion Section：

The discussion section should be revised to address the newly introduced research questions more directly. It is important to focus on how the findings from this study respond to the specific questions posed earlier in the manuscript. A more targeted discussion that directly links the research findings to the initial research questions will strengthen the argument and highlight the study's contributions to the field.

 

Author Response

Comments 1: [1-Introduction：The research questions should be explicitly stated in the introduction. Clearly outlining the research questions at the beginning will help readers immediately understand the specific focus of the study. This will also help guide the reader through the subsequent analysis and findings, making the structure of the paper even more coherent.]

Response 1: [ We sincerely appreciate your constructive suggestions, as they helped us recognize that the research question was not clearly stated at the beginning of the introduction. Taking your suggestion into account, we have revised the first paragraph of the introduction to clearly state the research question: Understanding the evolution pattern and mechanisms of the coordinated development of rural industry and rural employment. Furthermore, other elements of the introduction have also been adjusted to enhance the overall coherence of the paper. These revisions are elaborated upon in lines 26-35 and 75-79.This change can be found in page 1, and lines 26-35 and 75-79.]

“[The new additions are as follows:

With the rapid industrialization and urbanization occurring globally, rural areas are experiencing a significant decline, making rural revitalization a pressing challenge. Pro-moting industrial development and productive employment has been widely recognized as a key strategy for rural revitalization [1, 2]. However, the supply of industries in many rural regions remains highly limited. As such, achieving a balance between rural indus-tries' "productive" and "welfare" functions is critical for realizing this path to revitalization. Understanding the evolution pattern and mechanism of the coordinated development of rural industry and rural employment is invaluable for shaping effective rural industrial development policies and maximizing the employment potential of rural industries.]”

 

Comments 2: [2-Discussion Section：The discussion section should be revised to address the newly introduced research questions more directly. It is important to focus on how the findings from this study respond to the specific questions posed earlier in the manuscript. A more targeted discussion that directly links the research findings to the initial research questions will strengthen the argument and highlight the study's contributions to the field.]

Response 2: [We believe this is a valuable suggestion, and consequently, we have thoroughly revised the discussion section of this study. We have implemented several key improvements: First, we have incorporated all findings into section “5.1 Evolution Pattern and Mechanisms of the Coordinated Development of RIE” to directly address the original research question and highlight the contribution of this study. Furthermore, we revised the section on the application of results to explore potential pathways and opportunities for policy implementation, which is an important reflection of this paper's contribution to the field. This change can be found in page 15-16, and lines 436-545.]

“[The new additions are as follows:

5.1 Evolution pattern and mechanism of the coordinated development of RIE

This study systematically analyzes the coordinated development of RIE in Chong-qing, China, and breaks through the limitations of traditional research that focuses only on the single-dimensional functions of rural industries, such as "productivity" or "welfare", to reveal the "non-equilibrium" spatial characteristics and the mechanism of coordinated development of RIE. This finding not only enhances the theoretical framework of the coor-dinated development of RIE but also provides a new perspective for the study of regional rural industry or employment development patterns.

……

5.2. Employment-centered rural industry: fit measures for the coordinated development of RIE

……

Fully integrating the spatial and temporal characteristics and mechanisms of RIE is the prerequisite and foundation for establishing employment-oriented rural industrial development policies. At the spatial level, the findings of this study support the "polycen-tric" approach to RIE spatial development. They should encourage the creation of sub-centres in the peripheral areas of the region to form new growth centres and drive the development of RIE in the peripheral areas……. Based on the phenomena of "spatial diffusion" of industries and "spatial return" of em-ployment, the interventions of various influencing factors should adopt spatially differen-tiated strategies. Strengthening regional connectivity to promote the diffusion of industries to peripheral areas while simultaneously increasing investments in fixed assets such as healthcare, education, and other public service facilities will help improve the human en-vironment and attract the return of rural employment. Furthermore, rural industry, as a subsystem of RIE that has historically lagged (Fig. 4), requires concerted efforts from gov-ernment agencies to guide the transfer of limited industrial resources to regions with sig-nificant gaps in RIE development within the scope of available basic conditions.]”

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study presents a comprehensive study on the coordinated development of rural industry and employment (RIE) in Chongqing, China, using a variety of spatial and statistical methods. While the study is well-structured and provides valuable insights, there are several areas where improvements could be made to enhance the robustness and applicability of the findings. Below are some suggestions and comments for further improvement.

 

While the study uses 2022 data as a proxy for 2023, this substitution may introduce some bias. Future studies should aim to obtain the actual 2023 data to ensure accuracy.

The current indicator system is robust but may not fully capture the complexities of rural development. Including more diverse indicators could enhance the study's applicability to other regions and contexts.

A multi-scale approach would allow for a more detailed examination of how different scales interact and influence the coordinated development of RIE.

A section dedicated to policy recommendations, tailored to the specific needs of Chongqing and other regions with similar characteristics, would enhance the practical relevance of the study.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

English is okay

Author Response

Comments 1: [While the study uses 2022 data as a proxy for 2023, this substitution may introduce some bias. Future studies should aim to obtain the actual 2023 data to ensure accuracy.]

Response 1: [We sincerely thank the reviewer for careful reading. The two datasets used in this study—rural electricity consumption and rural employment—have not been published to date. As a result, we resorted to using data from nearby years as substitutes. However, after comparing the data from the past ten years, we found that both variables exhibit a steady linear growth trend. Nonetheless, this issue will be addressed in future studies.]

Comments 2: [The current indicator system is robust but may not fully capture the complexities of rural development. Including more diverse indicators could enhance the study's applicability to other regions and contexts.]

Response 2: [Thanks for your constructive suggestions. Many existing studies have provided valuable insights into the evaluation index system of RIE. However, at the county scale, data acquisition presents significant challenges, limiting the number of core evaluation indicators that can be included. Furthermore, we have provided a detailed explanation for the selection of influencing factors. However, it must be acknowledged that the current indicator system in this study faces challenges related to its applicability. This issue is addressed in the discussion and will be further explored in subsequent research. This change can be found in page7、17, and lines241-261、522-527.]

“[The new additions are as follows:

First, the natural environment is a crucial foundation for the coordinated develop-ment of RIE, which provides essential agricultural production conditions and fundamen-tal livelihood capital. To characterize the natural resource conditions, this study selects four key indicators: average slope, disaster index, arable land, and forested land area. Second, a sufficient supply of labour resources is critical to the coordinated development of RIE. However, a huge population may lead to heightened competition for employment, potentially diminishing the level of RIE’s coordination. In this context, the urban and rural resident populations represent labour supply. Third, the coordinated development of RIE relies on investments from the government, investors, and farmers, which involve both productive construction and infrastructure investments. Additionally, a favourable con-sumer market, industrial land supply, and historical and cultural factors contribute posi-tively to RIE. These elements are categorized under the socio-economic subsystem. Fourth, within the living conditions subsystem, rural settlement land may support informal land-use practices within the RIE system. At the same time, healthcare and education play significant roles in shaping the career choices of rural job seekers. Finally, transportation facilities influence RIE by facilitating the movement of raw materials and products for ru-ral industries and improving work-life commuting. Based on the aforementioned analysis and the data's availability and representativeness, 16 specific variables have been selected to comprehensively reflect the factors influencing the coordinated development of RIE (Table 3).

……

First, the evaluation index system for the RIE system presented in this paper is not suffi-ciently comprehensive. Despite the availability of numerous existing studies to reference, the county-level scale and limitations in the availability and completeness of multivariate data constrained the extent to which this study could develop a more detailed and inclu-sive framework.]”

Comments 3: [A multi-scale approach would allow for a more detailed examination of how different scales interact and influence the coordinated development of RIE.]

Response 3: [Thank you for pointing this out. This paper analyzes the characteristics of coordinated development of RIE solely at the regional scale. However, we observed several interesting phenomena from the results, such as the weak explanatory power of transportation in the coordinated development of RIE at the regional scale, which may be related to the well-developed rural road infrastructure in the selected study area. Drawing on existing studies and our extensive fieldwork experience, the role of road transportation facilities in the coordinated development of RIE is primarily reflected in the improvement of commuting. However, excessive spatial separation between businesses and residences makes it difficult to mitigate commuting costs through transportation infrastructure improvements alone. Based on these findings, the paper concludes by emphasizing that the coordinated development of RIE is inherently a multi-scale issue. Even the same influencing factor may exert varying explanatory power at different scales. In future research, this study will consider the multi-scale effects of coordinated RIE development. This change can be found in page 17, and lines 532-543.]

“[The new additions are as follows:

Third, while this study emphasizes the coordinated development characteristics of RIE at the regional scale, some findings suggest significant multi-scale effects. For instance, the weak explanatory power of internal transportation at the county scale in influencing RIE development is noted. The impact of transportation facilities on RIE primarily pertains to improving commuting, and the rise in commuting costs resulting from the spatial separa-tion of jobs and residences cannot be mitigated solely through transportation improve-ments. This issue warrants analysis at a more micro-scale.

Looking ahead, further research should narrow the scope of study and enhance the theoretical framework for RIE's coordinated development by incorporating specific re-gional contexts and multiple stakeholder interests. Additionally, more diverse analytical methods (e.g., interviews and case comparisons) would help comprehensively explore the RIE coordination mechanism's multi-scale effects and dynamics.]”

Comments 4: [A section dedicated to policy recommendations, tailored to the specific needs of Chongqing and other regions with similar characteristics, would enhance the practical relevance of the study.]

Response 4: [We think this is an excellent suggestion.We have thoroughly revised Section 5.2, “Employment-Centered Rural Industry: Appropriate Measures for the Coordinated Development of RIE.” We believe that fully integrating the spatial and temporal characteristics, as well as the mechanisms of RIE, is a prerequisite and foundation for establishing an employment-oriented rural industry development policy. Additionally, we present insights into the “polycentric” spatial development approach and spatially differentiated interventions for the various influencing factors. This change can be found in page 16, and lines 499-519.]

“[The new additions are as follows:

Fully integrating the spatial and temporal characteristics and mechanisms of RIE is the prerequisite and foundation for establishing employment-oriented rural industrial development policies. At the spatial level, the findings of this study support the "polycen-tric" approach to RIE spatial development. They should encourage the creation of sub-centres in the peripheral areas of the region to form new growth centres and drive the development of RIE in the peripheral areas. The spatial imbalance within Chongqing's RIE is markedly pronounced (Figure 2). The Yudongbei region has established a favorable area for RIE's coordinated development centered around the regional sub-center of Wan-zhou. In contrast, the Yudongnan region has consistently maintained a low RIE system status due to lacking a regional sub-center. Regional policymakers have recognized this issue and designated Qianjiang as a regional sub-center, on par with Wanzhou, in the Chongqing Territorial Spatial Master Plan (2021–2035) to stimulate growth in the Yudongnan region. Based on the phenomena of "spatial diffusion" of industries and "spa-tial return" of employment, the interventions of various influencing factors should adopt spatially differentiated strategies. Strengthening regional connectivity to promote the dif-fusion of industries to peripheral areas while simultaneously increasing investments in fixed assets such as healthcare, education, and other public service facilities will help im-prove the human environment and attract the return of rural employment. Furthermore, rural industry, as a subsystem of RIE that has historically lagged (Fig. 4), requires con-certed efforts from government agencies to guide the transfer of limited industrial re-sources to regions with significant gaps in RIE development within the scope of available basic conditions.]”

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The study deals with an ever topical and evergreen issue in the interrelated, but often not sufficiently synergetic and interconnected development of rural areas: industrialisation and employment. The results of the study can contribute to a better thought-out industrial development in rural areas for employment.

The study should improve the following:

in the presentation of the methodology, it should be made clear why the indicators included are relevant to the phenomenon under study - in which cases they act as proxies. How the results obtained can be translated into policy-making.

It would be good to see the limitations of the results obtained. I see that you have found e.g. investment in fixed assets to be a good explanatory variable, but I think this oversimplifies the picture - it does matter in which areas this investment has been made - so it would be good to list the limitations, the pitfalls of the methodology so that it is not misapplied in policy-making use.

It would be worthwhile to contextualise the methodology and its dimensions better from a policy-making perspective so that it can be used meaningfully.

 

Author Response

Comments 1: [In the presentation of the methodology, it should be made clear why the indicators included are relevant to the phenomenon under study - in which cases they act as proxies. How the results obtained can be translated into policy-making.]

Response 1: [We sincerely appreciate the valuable comments. In the original manuscript, we failed to provide a detailed explanation of the selected indicators. In response to your feedback, we have now included a detailed explanation of the rationale behind the selection of indicators. Furthermore, the process of translating research findings into decision-making is thoroughly discussed and justified. This change can be found in page7、16, and lines240-259、499-519.]

“[The new additions are as follows:

First, the natural environment is a crucial foundation for the coordinated develop-ment of RIE, which provides essential agricultural production conditions and fundamen-tal livelihood capital. To characterize the natural resource conditions, this study selects four key indicators: average slope, disaster index, arable land, and forested land area. Second, a sufficient supply of labour resources is critical to the coordinated development of RIE. However, a huge population may lead to heightened competition for employment, potentially diminishing the level of RIE’s coordination. In this context, the urban and rural resident populations represent labour supply. Third, the coordinated development of RIE relies on investments from the government, investors, and farmers, which involve both productive construction and infrastructure investments. Additionally, a favourable con-sumer market, industrial land supply, and historical and cultural factors contribute posi-tively to RIE. These elements are categorized under the socio-economic subsystem. Fourth, within the living conditions subsystem, rural settlement land may support informal land-use practices within the RIE system. At the same time, healthcare and education play significant roles in shaping the career choices of rural job seekers. Finally, transportation facilities influence RIE by facilitating the movement of raw materials and products for ru-ral industries and improving work-life commuting. Based on the aforementioned analysis and the data's availability and representativeness, 16 specific variables have been selected to comprehensively reflect the factors influencing the coordinated development of RIE (Table 3).]”

Comments 2: [It would be good to see the limitations of the results obtained. I see that you have found e.g. investment in fixed assets to be a good explanatory variable, but I think this oversimplifies the picture - it does matter in which areas this investment has been made - so it would be good to list the limitations, the pitfalls of the methodology so that it is not misapplied in policy-making use.]

Response 2: [Thanks for your constructive suggestions. In response to your suggestion, we have incorporated a new section, “5.3 Limitations and Further Research,” into the Discussion. In this section, we thoroughly discuss several limitations of the study and its results, as well as propose potential improvements for future research. Additionally, we have optimized and supplemented the presentation of specific variables, such as fixed asset investment, within the manuscript for clarity and precision. This change can be found in page15、17, and lines473-481、520-543.]

“[The new additions are as follows:

5.3. Limitations and further research

It is important to acknowledge that this study has certain limitations regarding con-structing the indicator system and analyzing underlying mechanisms. First, the evalua-tion index system for the RIE system presented in this paper is not sufficiently compre-hensive. Despite the availability of numerous existing studies to reference, the county-level scale and limitations in the availability and completeness of multivariate data con-strained the extent to which this study could develop a more detailed and inclusive framework. Second, the factors influencing RIE often have multifaceted implications. While this paper focuses on quantifying the magnitude of influence exerted by these fac-tors on the coordinated development of RIE, the mechanism of action is primarily ex-plained through qualitative analysis. However, in practice, the modes of influence are likely to vary considerably depending on contextual factors, such as social dynamics and the specific intervention targets. Third, while this study emphasizes the coordinated de-velopment characteristics of RIE at the regional scale, some findings suggest significant multi-scale effects. For instance, the weak explanatory power of internal transportation at the county scale in influencing RIE development is noted. The impact of transportation fa-cilities on RIE primarily pertains to improving commuting, and the rise in commuting costs resulting from the spatial separation of jobs and residences cannot be mitigated solely through transportation improvements. This issue warrants analysis at a more mi-cro-scale.

Looking ahead, further research should narrow the scope of study and enhance the theoretical framework for RIE's coordinated development by incorporating specific re-gional contexts and multiple stakeholder interests. Additionally, more diverse analytical methods (e.g., interviews and case comparisons) would help comprehensively explore the RIE coordination mechanism's multi-scale effects and dynamics.]”

Comments 3: [It would be worthwhile to contextualise the methodology and its dimensions better from a policy-making perspective so that it can be used meaningfully.]

Response 3: [Thank you for pointing this out. To enhance the operationalization of this study’s findings, we have restructured Section “5.2. Employment-Centered Rural Industry: Measures for the Coordinated Development of RIE.” We assert that the spatial and temporal characteristics and mechanisms of RIE form the basis for establishing employment-oriented rural industrial development policies. On this basis, we present insights into the “polycentric” spatial development approach and spatially differentiated interventions of various influencing factors. This change can be found in page 16, and lines 499-519.]

“[The new additions are as follows:

Fully integrating the spatial and temporal characteristics and mechanisms of RIE is the prerequisite and foundation for establishing employment-oriented rural industrial development policies. At the spatial level, the findings of this study support the "polycen-tric" approach to RIE spatial development. They should encourage the creation of sub-centres in the peripheral areas of the region to form new growth centres and drive the development of RIE in the peripheral areas. The spatial imbalance within Chongqing's RIE is markedly pronounced (Figure 2). The Yudongbei region has established a favorable area for RIE's coordinated development centered around the regional sub-center of Wan-zhou. In contrast, the Yudongnan region has consistently maintained a low RIE system status due to lacking a regional sub-center. Regional policymakers have recognized this issue and designated Qianjiang as a regional sub-center, on par with Wanzhou, in the Chongqing Territorial Spatial Master Plan (2021–2035) to stimulate growth in the Yudongnan region. Based on the phenomena of "spatial diffusion" of industries and "spa-tial return" of employment, the interventions of various influencing factors should adopt spatially differentiated strategies. Strengthening regional connectivity to promote the dif-fusion of industries to peripheral areas while simultaneously increasing investments in fixed assets such as healthcare, education, and other public service facilities will help im-prove the human environment and attract the return of rural employment. Furthermore, rural industry, as a subsystem of RIE that has historically lagged (Fig. 4), requires con-certed efforts from government agencies to guide the transfer of limited industrial re-sources to regions with significant gaps in RIE development within the scope of available basic conditions.]”

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Authors has revised all comments accordingly. Now it can be consider for publication.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

English is okay