Influence of an interurban innovation network on the innovation capacity of China: A multiplex network perspective

Abstract

Interurban innovation network is a typical multiplex network formed by the interactive coupling of spaces of flows of technology cooperation and transfer. However, studies investigating interurban innovation network from a multiplex network are rare. This study constructs an interurban technology cooperation-transfer network based on the multiplex network perspective and uses spatial Durbin model to reveal the mechanism of its structural characteristics on the urban innovation capability. It finds that: (1) There is a large variability in China's urban innovation capability, which are mainly reflected in the differences between cities in the eastern region and other regions. The China's urban innovation capability presents obvious spatial heterogeneity and agglomeration characteristics. (2) China's interurban technology cooperation-transfer network possesses high spatial coupling. The degree-strength division boundary of the network is clear-cut. Additionally, the degree-strength division and Pagerank classification show a certain level of spatial coincidence and correlation characteristics, with the community space being agglomerated. (3) In the relationship between China's interurban technology cooperation-transfer network structure embeddedness and urban innovation capability, the node degree and urban innovation capability possesses a U-shaped relationship. The node strength and Pagerank value have positive effects on urban innovation capability. Meanwhile, the node Pagerank value has significant positive spatial spillover effect, while node degree and strength both have significant negative spatial spillover effects. These findings can be used to develop a more effective interurban innovation network that will help the innovative development of Chinese cities.