“Investing in physical assets” vs.“ investing in people”: Transformations and advances in international urban regeneration research since the 21st century

  • HUANG Xian-jin ,
  • ZHANG Xi-quan ,
  • SONG Wen-juan
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Received date: 2026-03-19

  Revised date: 2026-05-16

  Online published: 2026-09-20

Abstract

China’s urban development has shifted from large-scale incremental expansion toward quality-oriented regeneration of existing urban areas. As international research on urban regeneration has a relatively long history, a systematic review of its findings can provide valuable insights for China. Drawing on the Web of Science Core Collection, this study employs CiteSpace to conduct a bibliometric analysis of 1,528 publications on urban regeneration published between 2000 and 2025. The findings indicate that, viewed through the analytical lens of “investment in physical assets” and “investment in people”, the literature demonstrates a shared concern with the coordinated advancement of physical improvement and human development. Six major research themes are identified: the technological and ecological transformation of the built environment; institutional adaptation and housing security in housing regeneration; the financialization and political economy of urban regeneration; culture-led regeneration; impacts on health and well-being; and gentrification and spatial justice. Future research is expected to strengthen cross-thematic integration, causal mechanism analysis, and institutional comparison. International experience should be selectively adapted to China’s institutional context, particularly its land, housing, fiscal, and grassroots governance systems, to promote synergies between spatial improvement and residents’ well-being.

Cite this article

HUANG Xian-jin , ZHANG Xi-quan , SONG Wen-juan . “Investing in physical assets” vs.“ investing in people”: Transformations and advances in international urban regeneration research since the 21st century[J]. Urban Problems, 2026 , 370(5) : 4 -21 . DOI: 10.13239/j.bjsshkxy.cswt.260501

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