北大李国平：城市发展动能将转换，创新成为新动力

Core Viewpoint - The recent Central Urban Work Conference marks a significant shift in China's urbanization, transitioning from rapid growth to a focus on quality and efficiency in urban development, emphasizing a people-centered approach [6][10][9]. Group 1: Urbanization Stage and Trends - China's urbanization rate has increased from 57.3% in 2015 to 67.0% in 2024, indicating that two-thirds of the population now lives in urban areas, with a projected slowdown in growth as it approaches 70% [6][10]. - The urbanization process is entering a late stage characterized by a shift from quantity to quality, necessitating a focus on urban renewal and improvement rather than expansion [10][11]. - Population changes, including a decrease in total population and an increase in aging demographics, are driving the need for urban space optimization and adaptation [7][8]. Group 2: Urban Development Dynamics - The traditional model of urban expansion through land development and real estate is becoming unsustainable, necessitating a search for new development drivers, particularly through innovation and urban renewal [8][14]. - There is a growing emphasis on enhancing urban livability and quality of life, with residents increasingly valuing diversity, ecological health, and cultural richness in urban environments [8][14][15]. Group 3: Urban Management and Policy Adjustments - Future urban management should embrace a multi-center, networked development model to balance population distribution and resource allocation, allowing for more sustainable urban growth [22][23]. - The focus on urban renewal will require significant financial investment, necessitating innovative funding solutions and the involvement of social capital to overcome existing financial constraints [18][19][20]. Group 4: Modern Urban Goals - The conference outlined goals for building "innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, civilized, and smart" modern cities, with a particular emphasis on innovation as a key driver for urban development [14][15]. - The concept of urban renewal is shifting from merely addressing housing quantity to enhancing housing quality, particularly in older neighborhoods and urban villages [16][17].