Does perfect regional innovation ecosystem curb carbon emissions? A measure based on the niche fitness

Abstract

As the economy grows, the continued increase in global carbon emissions poses a threat to human health and climate change. Identifying the role and mechanism of innovation vitality on carbon emissions from the perspective of the ecosystem can help accelerate the process of low carbon transition of the economy in China. Regional innovation ecosystem is an organic unit in which innovation subjects interact with other subjects and innovation environment through the flow of innovation resources and development of innovation capability, thus realizing value creation. The niche-fitness model is used to measure the perfection of regional innovation ecosystem based on the niche fitness. The spatial Durbin model is used to assess the carbon emission reduction effects of the regional innovation ecosystem from a green-biased innovation perspective from 2007 to 2019. The role of environmental regulation, economic endowment, and regional heterogeneity are further analyzed. The results reveal that there is a shortage of innovative talents in areas with high niche fitness, while limited resources and poor environment in areas with low niche fitness are the key problems. A perfect regional innovation ecosystem can significantly reduce carbon emissions per capita by driving green-biased technological progress. These results help to understand the mechanisms of the carbon reduction effects of innovation from a new perspective, and help to make constructive suggestions in terms of making up for the shortcomings of innovation elements, promoting green innovation and improving environmental regulations, which accelerates the achievement of China's dual carbon goals.