Abstract

In this study, based on Herfindahl Index and special analysis, a deep exploration on competitiveness regional inequality has been performed geographically and statistically. The tool of Geoda is utilized in this paper. Findings indicated that the comprehensive competitiveness of this area exhibits a growing trend with an eastward developing tendency over time. Cities of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou are defined as the first-tier cities of competitiveness, with great advantages in the aspects of science and technology, economic capacity and international competition. Considering its partial advantages and regional influence, this study regards Macau as the second-tier city, Dongguan and Huizhou as the third-tier cities, Zhaoqing as the fourth-tier cities, and Zhuhai, Foshan, Jiangmen and Zhongshan as the fifth-tier cities. First-tier and second-tier cities are in a line dividing the rest cities into two group, the right group of cities show a higher competitiveness level than the left ones. Besides, a low-low local autocorrelation of comprehensive competitiveness is discovered between Guangzhou, Foshan and their adjacent cities. Due to the unevenness of the cities’ development at multiple determining factors, regional inequalities of this area will possibly exist for a long period of time.