Revitalization of Old Revolutionary BaseAreas: Challenges, Opportunities andPathways—- Based on a 5D analytical framework

Ding Jianjun*

Jishou University Business School, Jishou, China

Abstract: The revitalization and development of old revolutionary base areas (ORBAs)are of great significance to coordinated regional development and common prosperity.Referencing existing research, this paper puts forth a “5D” analytical framework of “density,distance, division, differentiation, and digitalization” for analyzing the Challenges,opportunities and pathways for ORBAs’ revitalization and development. It points out thespatial diseconomies stemming from “long distance, high division, and low density” as thechallenge facing ORBAs, as well as the opportunities from the digital economy, the inclusivenature of digitalization, the comparative and late-mover advantages such as revolutionaryheritage, beautiful scenery, and distinctive folk culture, as well as a combination of policypreferences. Lastly, a roadmap is delineated for the ORBAs’ revitalization and developmentthrough the five “Ds”, i.e. increasing the density of population, industry and land;shortening the distance to facilitate the exchange and integration between various factors ofproduction; removing division to increase the integration level of urban and rural regionalmarkets; highlighting differentiation to enhance the irreplaceability of feature industriesand products; accelerating digitalization and leveraging the role of digital technologies inreducing the adverse effects of “long distance, high division, and low density”, magnifyingthe positive effects of “differentiation”, and integrating virtual and real economies.

Keywords: Old revolutionary base areas, revitalization and development, 5D analytical framework,

JEL Classification Code: O18, P25

DOI: 10.19602/j.chinaeconomist.2024.03.03