Place-based policy and urban green technology innovation: Evidence from the revitalization of old revolutionary base areas in China

Abstract

Based on panel data of 282 cities in China from 2006 to 2019, this study uses the revitalization policy of old revolutionary base areas (ORBAs) as a quasi-natural experiment and investigates the effect of place-based policy on urban green technology innovation (GTI) using a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model. The results indicate that the revitalization policy of ORBAs significantly promotes GTI, resulting in a 23.46% increase in urban green patent applications. Mechanism tests show that the revitalization policy of ORBAs can promote GTI through three channels: increasing fiscal technology expenditure, promoting economic agglomeration, and strengthening environmental governance. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that China's revitalization policy for ORBAs has a significant promotion effect on green utility model patents, but little effect on green invention patents. Moreover, the promotion effect is more pronounced in northern cities and cities with lower administrative levels. This study not only adds to the body of knowledge on the implementation effects of place-based policy and the factors influencing GTI, but also serves as a guide for policymakers in designing place-based policy and promoting urban GTI.