Evolution and Governance of the Structure of Marine Economic Networks in China’s Coastal Areas: Based on Sea-related A-share Listed Companies

Data on discrete, isolated attributes of the marine economy are often used in traditional marine economic research. However, as the focus of urban research shifts from internal static attributes to external dynamic linkages, the importance of marine economic network research is beginning to emerge. The construction of the marine economic network in China’s coastal areas is necessary to change the flow of land and sea resources and optimize regional marine economic development. Employing data from headquarters and branches of sea-related A-share listed enterprises to construct the marine economic network in China, we use social network analysis (SNA) to discuss the characteristics of its evolution as of 2010, 2015, and 2020 and its governance. The following results were obtained. 1) In terms of topological characteristics, the scale of the marine economic network in China’s coastal areas has accelerated and expanded, and the connections have become increasingly close; thus, this development has complex network characteristics. 2) In terms of spatial structure, the intensity of the connection fluctuates and does not form stable development support; the group structure gradually becomes clear, but the overall pattern is fragmented; there are spatial differences in marine economic agglomeration radiation; the radiation effect of the eastern marine economic circle is obvious; and the polarization effect of northern and southern marine economic circles is significant. On this basis, we construct a framework for the governance of a marine economic network with the market, the government, and industry as the three governing bodies. By clarifying the driving factors and building objectives of marine economic network construction, this study aims to foster the high-quality development of China’s marine economy.