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Recent studies underscore a renewed trend toward the re-integration of urban-industrial spaces, particularly emphasizing manufacturing activities (Gornig & Werwatz, 2018; Park, 2023). Scholars highlight that cutting-edge digital technologies are pivotal in enhancing industrial productivity, adopting cleaner and more efficient production techniques, and ultimately fostering the re-integration of industrial functions within urban areas (Herrmann et al., 2020; Lane and Rappaport, 2020). Notably, Park's (2023) empirical research demonstrated re-urbanization patterns linked to the establishment of small-scale, technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly manufacturing facilities post-2010. Furthermore, Park’s (2024) subsequent study revealed that the digitalization of production not only boosts productivity but also improves spatial efficiency, thereby promoting the re-integration of industrial spaces into urban contexts.
Despite these advancements, a notable lack of empirical research persists regarding the regional attributes influencing the re-integration of urban-industrial spaces. Addressing this gap, this study investigates the temporal-spatial patterns and regional characteristics driving the re-integration of industrial spaces within urban areas, with a particular focus on the Seoul metropolitan region in South Korea. Using spatial micro-data spanning from 2000 to 2022, this research employs panel regression models to identify regional factors facilitating spatial re-integration of urban-industrial spaces.
The findings reveal that industrial spaces within the Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea experienced significant spatial separation from urban areas up until the early 2010s. However, this trend has since decelerated, with certain Seoul districts exhibiting a re-integration of industrial and urban spaces. These districts are characterized by the designation of industrial parks and the active development of vertical urban factories. Results from the panel regression analysis underscore the crucial role of urban industrial spaces, particularly vertical factories and industrial parks, in driving this re-integration.
This study interprets the observed urban spatial restructuring as a consequence of Industry 4.0 and advancements in digital technology, which promote closer integration of living and working spaces and a convergence of production and consumption activities. The research concludes with policy recommendations aimed at guiding the development of future urban-industrial spaces to sustain and enhance these re-integration trends.
References
Gornig, M. and Werwatz, A. (2018). ‘German industry returning to cities’, DIW Weekly Report, 8(46/47), pp.467-473.
Herrmann, C., Juraschek, M. Burggräf, P. and Kara, S. (2020). ‘Urban production: State of the art and future trends for urban factories’. CIRP Annals, 69(2), pp.764-787.
Lane, R. N. and Rappaport, N. (2020). The Design of Urban Manufacturing. Routledge.
Park, J.-I. (2023). ‘Re-urbanization pattern of manufacturing and characteristics of urban manufacturing in South Korea’. Cities, 137, p.104330.
Park, J.-I. (2024). ‘How does digitalization drive urban industrial locations? An empirical examination of South Korea's experience’. Technology in Society, 79, p.102708.
| Keywords | re-integration; urban industrial space; urban manufacturing; re-urbanization of industry |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
