Mobility of technicians and green innovation efficiency improvement: empirical analysis and policy implications in Chinese cities

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the relationship between technicians’ mobility and green innovation efficiency in Chinese cities and proposes policy recommendations based on these findings. This study analyses data from 275 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2020 using the Spatial Durbin Model to examine the impact of technical personnel mobility on green innovation efficiency in local and adjacent areas and its transmission mechanism. The results indicate that technical personnel mobility significantly enhances green innovation efficiency in both local and adjacent areas, with a more pronounced effect in innovative cities and areas preferred by technical personnel. Additionally, the synergistic effect of government green innovation attention and the transmission effect of industrial structure upgrades further strengthen this positive impact. Based on these findings, it is recommended that enterprises, universities, and government agencies collaboratively enhance the mobility of technical personnel and cross-sector innovation. It is also advised to construct regional mechanisms for green innovation cooperation, and further boost green innovation efficiency by optimizing industrial configurations and intensifying awareness of green innovation. This study provides valuable references for attracting regional talent and innovation-driven high-quality development.