Hierarchical Characteristics and Proximity Mechanism of Intercity Innovation Networks: A Case of 290 Cities in China

Xianzhong Cao,Lan Lin,Gang Zeng,Lin Zou,Jing-Hu Pan

doi:10.1155/2021/5538872

Abstract

The formation mechanism of innovation networks is one of the core issues in the current research of innovation networks, and proximity plays an important role in the formation and development of innovation networks; however, which proximity is more important and how different proximities interact remain to be further researched. This study conducts a social network analysis and adopts a spatial interaction model to examine innovation networks among 290 Chinese cities. The results reveal that, first, the hierarchical characteristics of Chinese cities’ innovation networks reflect a core periphery structure and the spatial patterns of large dispersion and small agglomeration. Further, bound by the Hu line, the hierarchy is high in the east and low in the west. Second, geographical, institutional, and cognitive proximities positively affect Chinese cities’ innovation networking. Cognitive proximity, particularly, has the highest impact. Geographical proximity reinforces the effect of institutional proximity, and thus, their interactions are complementary.

Highlights

Knowledge and technological innovations have become the key driving forces of regional economic development
3 and 16 groups show high and medium strength, which is less than 1% of total linkages. ese results highlight that most cities in China have a relatively low degree of innovation cooperation
While intercity innovation networks are large in scale and wide in coverage, there are obvious problems such as loose links, poor accessibility, and knowledge spillovers, and the functions of intercity innovation networks need to be further enhanced

Summary

Introduction

Knowledge and technological innovations have become the key driving forces of regional economic development. Adopting an innovation networks’ perspective, this study fills the gap in the literature by analysing the hierarchical structural characteristics of 290 Chinese cities, including the locational and spatial attributes of their innovation networks, and incorporating multidimensional proximity in a mechanism analysis of proximity. In doing so, it aims to understand the current collaborative innovation situation in Chinese cities and clarify the relationship between the formation of intercity innovation networks and proximity.

Theoretical Analytical Framework

Methodology and Data

Methodology

Mechanism for City Innovation Networking in China