Innovation of Urbanization Path for Small and Medium-sized Cities in the Asia - Pacific Region: Advantages, Challenges, and Strategies

Abstract

This paper selects 18 SMSCs from 9 Asia - Pacific countries (China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand) as research cases. Through a combination of field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and document analysis, it systematically explores the inherent advantages, development challenges, and path innovation strategies of SMSCs in the region. The research finds that SMSCs in the Asia - Pacific region have distinct advantages such as low development costs, close ties with rural areas, and rich ecological and cultural resources. Nevertheless, they also face prominent challenges including insufficient industrial support, weak infrastructure, and brain drain. To address these issues, the paper proposes three innovative paths: characteristic industrialization driven by resource endowments, integrated urban - rural development based on functional complementarity, and smart governance empowerment relying on digital technology. These strategies provide a practical reference for promoting the high - quality urbanization of SMSCs in the Asia - Pacific region and realizing regional coordinated development.

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