Development index assessment and future prospects of China’s low-altitude economy

With the gradual opening of low-altitude airspace and continuous advancements in low-altitude technology, the low-altitude economy has ushered in significant development opportunities, emerging as a quintessential example of new quality productive forces and garnering widespread attention from both the state and society. However, given China’s vast territory, the development trends and foundational conditions of the low-altitude economy vary considerably across regions, presenting distinct challenges and prospects. To accurately assess the development trends of the low-altitude economy, this study constructs an evaluation framework based on five dimensions, namely, innovation efficacy, industrial strength, scenario vitality, development potential, and support capability, and conducts a systematic assessment. The results indicate that China’s low-altitude economy exhibits substantial development potential and relatively strong support capability, yet there remains room for improvement in innovation efficacy, industrial strength, and scenario vitality. Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Beijing, and Sichuan rank among the top level in China’s low-altitude economic development. As the national strategy for the low-altitude economy advances and is implemented scientifically, China’s low-altitude economy is transitioning from a policy-driven pilot phase to a new stage of market’s large-scale, regional differentiation, and coordinated regional development.