地方竞争模式 迎来历史性重构关口

Core Viewpoint - Local competition in China, a significant driver of economic growth since the reform and opening-up, is undergoing a historic restructuring as new regulations aim to standardize local investment attraction practices and eliminate discriminatory policies [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Structural Changes - The traditional model of local competition, which heavily relied on manufacturing and factor accumulation, is becoming less effective as China's economy transitions towards high-quality development [2][3]. - The service sector is now leading economic growth, with the tertiary industry accounting for 56.7% of GDP in 2024 and employing 48.8% of the workforce [3]. - Local competition has negatively impacted service sector consumption by prioritizing production over welfare spending, leading to a threefold suppression effect on consumer spending [3]. Group 2: Innovation and Competition Dynamics - Local competition has reduced the returns on innovation, creating a "prisoner's dilemma" where regions compete for subsidies, ultimately leading to uncertainty in innovation outcomes [4]. - The economic growth landscape is shifting from uniform growth across regions to a more differentiated growth pattern, driven by factors such as resource endowments and infrastructure [4][5]. Group 3: Policy Recommendations for Local Competition - Short-term measures to address local competition issues include regulating investment attraction practices, while long-term strategies should focus on restructuring the underlying logic of local competition [6]. - A new local competition system should prioritize labor over capital, emphasizing the quality of life and public services to attract talent [6][7]. - Transitioning from homogeneous competition to differentiated competition based on regional functions can optimize resource allocation and promote specialized growth [7]. - The shift from protective to incentive-based competition is essential, leveraging fiscal policies to encourage local governments to participate in regional collaboration and industry development [8][9]. Group 4: Taxation and Regional Cooperation - Current tax revenue distribution favors production locations over consumption areas, which incentivizes local governments to attract businesses rather than expand consumer markets [9][10]. - Adjusting the tax distribution framework to favor consumption locations and embedding regional cooperation into performance evaluations can enhance overall economic growth [10].