From industry to education-driven urbanization: A welfare transformation of urbanization in Chinese counties

Abstract

As China's urbanization advances, residents' demands for quality of life and enhanced public services have grown more prominent. This paper examines the shift in county-level urbanization drivers, focusing on a welfare-oriented, education-driven model that balances production with public service needs. Through statistical data, surveys, interviews, and big data analysis, a case study illustrates both macro and micro mechanisms of education-driven migration to county towns. Findings show that rural families increasingly view access to quality education and desirable school districts as rational, intergenerational investments. Government efforts to improve educational services and relax household registration restrictions have facilitated this transition from industry-led to education-driven urbanization. This study offers new insights into fostering urbanization by highlighting the equal importance of public services and employment opportunities.