Platform-based urban entrepreneurialism in China: the case of Zibo, the city of barbecue

Han Chu and Robert Hassink

Chapter 6 in Handbook of Platform Urbanism, 2025, pp 74-85 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter examines Platform-Based Urban Entrepreneurialism in Chinese cities, using Zibo City's barbecue-themed transformation as a case study. It explores the shift from managerialism to entrepreneurial competitive models in urban governance, with a focus on the role of digital platforms. Zibo City's success in leveraging social media platforms for urban entrepreneurialism is detailed, showcasing its short-term transformation into a vibrant tourist destination. Government intervention played a pivotal role in fostering barbecue brand development, which further impacts cultural tourism, finance, retail, and services. The chapter concludes by summarizing insights for both academic research and practical applications, encouraging the exploration of digital platforms in urban economic transformation, urban branding, consumer behaviour, and government. Although the long-term outlook remains uncertain, the Zibo barbecue phenomenon serves as a valuable reference for cities and regions aiming for short-term transformations in urban brand building, services industry, social media engagement, and government-enhanced internet services.

Keywords: Urban entrepreneurialism; Platform; China; Zibo; Barbecue city; Brand building (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035313754
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