Analysis of the Spatial Heterogeneity of China’s Sports Cultural Industry Investment Based on Panel Data

This paper analyzes the spatial heterogeneity of China’s sports cultural industry investment using panel data from 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions from 2013 to 2021. Exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) and spatial econometric models are employed to investigate the spatial dependence and influencing factors of sports cultural industry investment. The results show that the investment in China’s sports cultural industry has significant regional differences, with the eastern coastal provinces having much higher investment levels than the central and western regions. The investment in each province exhibits positive spatial correlation and significant spatial agglomeration effects. High-level investment regions are concentrated in contiguous areas, while low-level investment regions are distributed in adjacent areas, indicating spatial dependence and spillover effects in the development of the sports cultural industry among regions. The main factors influencing the investment level include gross regional product, general public budget expenditure, and total expenditure on culture, sports, and media. Provinces with developed economies, strong government support, and a good foundation for the cultural industry have higher investment levels in the sports cultural industry. The study suggests that the state should increase policy support and capital investment in underdeveloped areas, promote industrial cooperation among regions, and optimize resource allocation. Local governments should formulate targeted policies, improve infrastructure, standardize statistical indicators, explore local characteristic resources, cultivate regional brand events, and promote the integration of sports culture with other industries to expand the industrial development space.