Journal of Modern Business Administration

Against the backdrop of digital economy development and regional open synergy, Xiamen Jimei District, a pivotal node in the Western Taiwan Strait Economic Zone, faces dual challenges of industrial upgrading and enhancing international trade capabilities. Drawing on theories of industrial agglomeration and upgrading, this study constructs a three-dimensional analytical framework of "digital density–innovation stickiness–open capacity." By integrating empirical analysis and comparative case studies with advanced domestic regions such as Suzhou Industrial Park and Shenzhen Longgang, it systematically diagnoses structural contradictions and international trade weaknesses in Jimeis industrial development. Key findings reveal issues including high technological dependence on Taiwanese-funded enterprises, insufficient proportion of digital service trade, and declining capacity of sea-rail inter-modal transport channels. These problems stem fundamentally from the "lack of innovation stickiness" in industrial agglomeration and "weak value chain control" in the open system. In response, the study proposes a "dual-wheel drive–open synergy" development pathway and advocates for a new international trade paradigm integrating "standards–data–services." The research provides theoretical and practical insights for coastal Taiwanese investment-intensive regions to break free from "OEM dependency" and achieve "innovation breakthroughs," offering actionable significance for promoting regional high-quality development.

Industrial agglomeration; Industrial upgrading; International trade; Dual-wheel drive; Open synergy; Xiamen Jimei district