Characteristics, Problems, and Countermeasures of the Development of Digital Industrial Clusters in Foshan City

Abstract

Digital industrial clusters are a core driver of high-quality regional economic development. Building on its strong manufacturing base, Foshan has actively developed digital industrial clusters, yet still faces practical challenges such as insufficient collaboration and digital imbalance. Based on complex network theory, this study employs a mixed-methods approach by combining the DBSCAN spatial clustering algorithm, questionnaire surveys, and multiple case studies, to examine the characteristics, challenges, and development pathways of Foshan’s digital industrial clusters. The findings reveal that Foshan’s digital industrial clusters exhibit a three-tier hierarchical structure of ‘core, intermediate, and small’ clusters. Core clusters are concentrated in Chancheng District, demonstrating combined advantages in quantity, scale, and density. However, the cluster development faces several prominent issues: micro and small enterprises constitute over 55% of the total, yet their digital coverage rate is only 12%; product homogenization leads to intense competition; significant disparities exist among enterprises in the timing and investment of digital transformation; and collaboration barriers arise from over-reliance on core enterprises and insufficient resource sharing. Accordingly, this study proposes recommendations including optimizing the clusters’ hierarchical functions, constructing collaborative innovation platforms, implementing differentiated support policies, and deepening industry-university-research cooperation. The aim is to provide practical references for Foshan to overcome the dilemma of clusters being “physically agglomerated but not functionally integrated” and to promote successful digital upgrading.