Regional Innovation Research Articles

Analysis of the impact of mechanisms of integration of university science into the regional innovation system on the spatial development of the Voronezh region

Relevance. University science is the basis for the progressive development of the regions of the Russian Federation, providing new knowledge and ideas, turning knowledge into technology and accelerated development of the cultural environment. The introduction of scientific research into the educational process is necessary and important conditions for maintaining the high professional level of teachers, the formation of professional competencies, and advanced training of future specialists. In the last few years, the main economic processes have demonstrated positive dynamics, which indicates the effectiveness of the implemented strategy of socio-economic development of the region, as well as an effective policy of spatial development of the territory are key factors in achieving a positive trend in the development of the region. Minister of Science and Higher Education V.N. Falkov in April 2024 He stated the need to transform the higher education system, focusing on specialized higher education based on an interdisciplinary approach that will more effectively integrate university science into regional spatial development and the national innovation system.The purpose of the study is to determine the mechanisms of integration of university science in the spatial development of the Voronezh region through the innovation system.Objectives: to analyze the impact of the mechanisms of integration of university science on the trends of spatial development; to analyze scientific and technological development; to formulate the main conclusions about university science as part of the socio-economic system of the territory.Methodology. The general scientific methods of logical analysis, method of desk research, method of systematization, descriptive method were used in the study. Results. The study revealed the key factors that contributed to the positive dynamics of the economy of the Voronezh region and considered the mechanisms of integration of university science into the regional innovation system.Conclusions. In the realities of scientific and technological development there is a need to improve the methods of integration of university science into the regional innovation system, and recommendations related to the optimization of spatial development of the Voronezh region in order to improve the quality and attractiveness of university science on the basis of innovative aspects functioning in the region have been proposed.

Knowledge source switching under state interventions of latecomer regions: A case study of Shenzhen

This paper aims to unpack the process and analyze the mechanisms of knowledge source switching in latecomer regions that have evolved from peripheral to core positions. Drawing on four decades of matched patent-company data from Shenzhen, we classify patents into various knowledge classifications and calculate their percentage changes to observe the dynamics of knowledge source switching. Furthermore, we employ Difference-in-Differences (DiD) estimation to examine the causal effects of state interventions on this dynamic. The findings indicate that Shenzhen's knowledge sources have switched from multinational corporations (MNCs) and foreign subsidiaries to global inventors. Notably, state interventions exhibit a significant positive causal effect on this dynamic, particularly following the implementation of independent innovation policies. These findings contribute to the cross-fertilization of regional innovation studies and the Global Production Networks (GPN) approach, highlight the critical role of the state in ensuring the right and dynamic mode of global knowledge sourcing and offer implications for local innovation policies in latecomer regions.

New measurement and spatio-temporal heterogeneity of regional green innovation efficiency in China

New measurement and spatio-temporal heterogeneity of regional green innovation efficiency in China

Strengthening university capacity in regional innovation ecosystem through the participation in the European Universities initiative

ABSTRACT In this paper, we explore how participation in the strategic partnerships of the European University Alliances (EUAs) facilitates university capacity in regional development. The study utilizes the Quadruple Helix theoretical model and contributes to the literature on transnational university alliances in regional innovation ecosystems. A qualitative analysis of policy documents, media reports on EUA developments, alliance goals, and university implementation strategies is conducted within the context of Lithuanian higher education. In Lithuania’s case, the primary rationale for participating in the EU initiative is both academic and economic. Furthermore, it is framed as addressing higher education challenges such as a low internationalization level, a mismatch between human capital and labour market needs, and the attractiveness of higher education. To achieve the strategic goals of the alliances, universities build networks including cross-sectoral linkages and engage in co-creation activities. The expanded and deepened interactions among different organizational spheres (helices) aim to foster innovation in national HE policy, strengthen university capacity through organizational innovation, and re-design teaching and research to drive social and economic transformations.

Relationship between business environment and regional innovation level: Examining the moderating role of digital finance

This study analyzes data from 255 prefecture-level cities in China from 2012 to 2022 to investigate the relationship between the business environment and regional innovation levels and the moderating effect of digital finance in this relationship. Findings indicate that digital finance and a good business environment individually increase the regional innovation level. Moreover, foreign direct investment mediates the relationship between the business environment and regional innovation level, and digital finance plays a positive moderating role in this relationship.

Challenge-oriented regional innovation systems

In this letter, we reflect on recent modifications of the regional innovation system (RIS) approach that have been prompted by persistent environmental, social, and economic problems. Scholars have begun to advocate a reorientation of the RIS framework towards addressing territorial sustainability challenges and have introduced the notion of challenge-oriented regional innovation systems (CORIS). While the CORIS approach holds promise given the challenges of our time, several unresolved issues remain. We elaborate on and discuss three themes that demand further research. Firstly, there is a need for in-depth studies of the geographies of problems. Systematic analyses of the origins and interrelations of territorial challenges are high in demand. Secondly, the geographies of challenge-oriented innovation-exnovation dynamics warrant more attention. We argue that future research should delve into questions around the development, testing and upscaling of innovative solutions, as well as the unlocking and destabilisation of unsustainable practices in various spatial contexts. Lastly, we contend that a better understanding of the geographies of RIS reconfiguration is necessary. This entails shedding light on various forms of system-level agency involved in reorienting or transforming historically-grown real-world RIS in different types of regions.

Impact of Local Government Debt on Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Evidence from China

Local government debt serves as a crucial source of funding for local governments to provide public services and steer regional economic development. Exploring the impact of local government debt on regional innovation and entrepreneurship holds significant practical importance. This paper uses the data of 295 cities in China from 2015 to 2020 and uses the fixed effect model for empirical analysis. Our findings reveal a positive association between local government debt and regional innovation and entrepreneurship. This positive effect is attributed to the amplification of both the venture capital agglomeration effect and the technology agglomeration effect. Moreover, this relationship is particularly pronounced in cities characterized by high fiscal transparency, officials’ promotion pressure, and poor business environment. Ultimately, this paper enriches the existing literature by enhancing our comprehension of the economic implications of local government debt and the factors influencing regional innovation and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it furnishes empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of local government debt management in China.

Enhancing the energy level of regional digital innovation ecosystems: A configuration perspective.

This study introduces the concept of "energy level" into the analysis of innovation ecosystems. Drawing on the theory of "architects", we have identified the key architects of regional digital innovation ecosystems. By integrating Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) and Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), we examined the configuration effects of internal architects, external architects, and digital innovation habitats on the energy level of these ecosystems, utilizing data from 30 provinces in China as case studies. The results indicate that the contribution of a single architect to achieving a high energy level in a regional digital innovation ecosystem is limited and cannot be regarded as a necessary condition for driving a high energy level. However, core innovation actors and digital infrastructures emerge as more significant core conditions. The architects of regional digital innovation ecosystems exhibit multiple concurrent causal relationships. The configuration paths of high and non-high energy levels of ecosystems display a causally asymmetric "multiple paths to the same outcome" relationship. The three identified paths for driving high energy levels are categorized as "core actor-infrastructure"-driven paths. The findings of this paper hold substantial theoretical and practical significance for fostering the healthy development of regional digital innovation ecosystems.

The dialogue of the past and the present in the innovative trends of the works of pottery of Qinzhou Nixing

The object of this study is the ceramic art of Qingzhou Nisin, which has a history of over 1300 years. The aesthetic characteristics of Qingzhou Nisin ceramics are highlighted, and the current situation of insufficient innovation in modern ceramics is summarized and analyzed. The importance of design innovations is emphasized. A new method of innovative design for Qingzhou Nisin ceramics is proposed, which involves combining the regional culture of Guangxi Beibu Gulf with traditional artistic elements of Qingzhou Nisin ceramics to give them new vitality. The article highlights four aspects that facilitate the realization of innovations in Qingzhou Nisin ceramic design: the fusion of pattern elements, the integration of morphological elements, the integration of texture components, and the use of complex materials. The research methodology includes a literature review of Qingzhou Nisin ceramic art and its contribution to the development of innovative trends in this direction, an analysis of Qingzhou Nisin's works was made in order to understand its style and approach to creating ceramic art. The main conclusions of the study are that Qingzhou Nisin ceramic art is an important part of Chinese civilization, and its development should be based on preserving the continuity of traditions and culture. To restore the connection between the regional culture of Guangxi Beibu Gulf and innovations in Qingzhou Nisin ceramic design, research and innovation practices are necessary. To develop Qingzhou Nisin ceramic art, innovations in design should be based on preserving the continuity of traditions and culture, as well as restoring the connection between regional culture and innovations. Overall, the article shows that Qingzhou Nisin ceramic art is an important part of Chinese civilization, and its development should be based on preserving the continuity of traditions and culture.

Digital economy and green transformation of regional industries: New insights from sustainability.

Studying the impact of the digital economy on carbon emissions in the distribution industry is of great significance for realizing sustainable development goals and coping with climate change. This study finds that increasing the level of digital economy development can reduce the carbon emission intensity of the circulation industry through fixed-effects modeling. Moreover, the effect is different in different geographic regions, and the improvement of the digital economy development level in the east and central regions can significantly reduce the carbon emission intensity of the distribution industry. The digital economy can simultaneously reduce the carbon emission intensity of the circulation industry by reducing the degree of labor factor mismatch in the circulation industry and improving the regional green innovation capacity. Therefore, in order to promote the green development of the distribution industry, it is also necessary to make efforts to improve the construction of network infrastructure, accelerate the process of research and development and cultivation of green technology, and break down the barriers of cross-regional mobility of talents.

Combinatorial innovation and lifecycle analysis of low-carbon energy technologies in China

Measuring the lifecycle of low-carbon energy technologies is critical to better understanding the innovation pattern. However, previous studies on lifecycle either focus on technical details or just provide a general overview, due to the lack of connection with innovation theories. This article attempts to fill this gap by analyzing the lifecycle from a combinatorial innovation perspective, based on patent data of ten low-carbon energy technologies in China from 1999 to 2018. The problem of estimating lifecycle stages can be transformed into analyzing the rise of fall of knowledge combinations. By building the IPC co-occurrence matrix, this paper demonstrates the lifecycle evolution of technologies graphically constructs an efficient quantitative index to divide lifecycle stages. The mathematical measurement can effectively reflect the evolutionary pattern of technologies. Additionally, this article relates the macro evolution of lifecycle to the micro dynamic mechanism of technology paradigms. The sign of technology maturity is that new inventions tend to follow the patterns established by prior ones. Following this logic, this paper identifies different trends of paradigms in each technology field and analyze their transition. Furthermore, catching-up literature shows that drastic transformation of technology paradigms may open “windows of opportunity” for laggard regions. From the results of this paper, it is clear to see that latecomers can catch up with pioneers especially when there is a radical change in paradigms. Therefore, it is important for policy makers to capture such opportunities during the technology lifecycle and coordinate regional innovation resources.

The impact of digital policies on urban economic resilience under the low-carbon background: A deep identification based on environmental regulation and industrial digital transformation

With over exploitation and increasingly severe environmental pollution, traditional economic growth models are no longer able to promote high-quality regional economic development. Especially in recent years, the limitations of resources and environment, global geopolitical conflicts, and other factors have brought enormous uncertainty to the economic development of each country. To cope with the uncertainty of economic development, it is necessary to use the digital economy formed by the new generation of information technology to strengthen the economic resilience of various regions. This study collected panel data from 30 provinces and cities in China from 2013 to 2022, using the PSM-DID model to examine the subtle relationship between the formulation of digital policies in different cities and their economic resilience. Specifically, environmental regulations and industrial digital transformation play an important role in the process of urban digital policies affecting economic resilience. The research findings of this article emphasize the crucial role of digital policies in addressing the current challenges of economic uncertainty. Through empirical research, the results show that the strategic implementation of digital policies can not only effectively promote the digital transformation of traditional industries, but also strengthen the role of environmental regulations in promoting sustainable development of industries. The digital transformation of industries and sustainable development will significantly enhance regional innovation capabilities and ultimately strengthen regional economic resilience.

The bibliometric analysis of regional innovations of Kazakhstan in the context of Triple Helix model

This research aims to conduct an analysis of scientific literature on issues related to regional innovation in the context of Triple Helix model, including Kazakhstan. In order to accomplish the objective, the bibliometric analysis was carried out using four primary search strings: “Triple Helix and Kazakhstan,” “Kazakhstan regional innovation,” “Regional Innovation and Triple Helix,” and “Regional Innovation.” The bibliometric analysis was conducted using the computer softwares VOSviewer, the computerized databases Scopus and Web of Science. Establishing links and relationships was achieved through the use of the computer software VOSViewer, which automatically applied methods of co-occurrence and keyword analysis. The results obtained from the areas mentioned earlier, particularly in the context of Kazakhstan and the publication output and connections within Triple Helix, are limited. It was revealed that in Kazakhstan there is a small amount of scientific research on regional innovation in the context of the Triple Helix model, which reflects the economic situation when the Triple Helix model is not sufficiently integrated into the state policy of regional development to study it. Kazakhstani policymakers and scholars focus on regional economic growth development as a strategy rather than integrating innovation models or the Triple Helix model in regional development. The primary contribution of this paper is to highlight the limited availability of literature and research on the topic at hand. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for further investigation and serves as a potential agenda for policymakers and scholars interested in regional development and innovation in Kazakhstan and other countries.

Government support for firm-level innovation in less innovation-intense regions

ABSTRACT Regional innovation intensity is a crucial external factor that influences firm-level innovation outcomes. Firms located in less innovation-intense regions typically under-perform equivalent firms in more innovation-intense regions. Research to-date suggests that the effectiveness of government support for firm-level innovation varies markedly, depending on a firms’ location. However, almost no evidence exists on the effectiveness of government innovation support, in the specific case of firms located in less innovation-intense regions. To fill this gap in the literature, this paper addresses the following research question: What impact does government innovation support have on firm-level innovation in less innovation-intense regions? The analysis draws on the World Bank’s 2010 Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey, for five South American countries. Results show that subsidised firms, located in less innovation-intense regions, significantly underperform matched-unsubsidised firms in higher innovation-intensity regions. This result suggests that regional innovation-intensity is a crucial factor in determining the effectiveness of government innovation subsidies.

Territorial Patterns of European Innovation in the Context of Different Innovation Output Proxies: A Spatial MGWR-SAR Approach

AbstractThe paper seeks to explore the drivers of European innovation represented by three innovation outputs (patent, trademark, and design applications), emphasizing spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity. It includes data from 202 regions from 22 European Union (EU) Member States, along with 18 regions from Switzerland, Norway, and Serbia in 2019, providing a more comprehensive geographic scope. By considering multiple indicators of innovation output, including patents, trademarks, and design applications, the main objective is to examine spatial innovation spillovers and the heterogeneous responses of regional innovation output to innovation inputs in the context of European regions. To achieve this goal, the main instrument of the analysis is a newly proposed methodological framework called Mixed Geographically Weighted Regression-Spatial Autoregressive (MGWR-SAR) models. The analysis suggests that while all innovation inputs (most-cited publications, research and development expenditure in the business sector, human resources in science and technology, and population density) are justified in increasing all innovation outputs, the strength of particular determinants of innovation might vary across regions. Moreover, the analysis reveals valuable insights into how spatial spillovers influence regional innovation. The impact of spatial connections varies across the regions, with patents showing the strongest linkages, affecting about 92.27% of regions. Although trademarks and designs have fewer spatial connections (approximately 50% of regions), they still play a significant role in innovation. Although patents have traditionally dominated discussions of innovation, the findings reveal the importance of incorporating designs and trademarks as complementary indicators. Overall, the study highlights the need for multiple metrics to comprehensively evaluate innovations.

Selection Process Based on Advancing the Development of a Science and Technology Law System with Chinese Features

The significance of advancing socialist S&T legal system building with Chinese features is examined in this paper, along with the extensive effects it has on S&T innovation and economic growth. Against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive global scientific and technology landscape, China’s ability to innovate and achieve sustainable growth hinges on the establishment of an ideal science and technology legislative framework. This essay first examines the primary obstacles to China’s development of a science, technology, and innovation (S&T) legal system, including inadequate protection for intellectual property rights, a flawed process for transforming scientific and technological advancements, and an insufficient system for encouraging enterprise innovation. Then, this research presents a quantitative analysis model to optimize the path of science and technology legal building by applying the improved particle swarm optimization method (PSO). The model takes into account a wide range of variables, including the degree of intellectual property protection, the strength of legal backing, the pace at which scientific and technological advancements are transformed, etc. Through the analysis of simulation data, the model also confirms the promotion effect of the legal system construction on the quantity of patent applications, the success rate of innovation projects, the enterprise R&D expenditure, and the expansion of the local economy. The study’s findings demonstrate that bolstering the science and technology legal system can effectively encourage businesses to boost R&D investment and foster regional economic development in addition to greatly raising the quantity of patent applications and the success rate of innovation projects. The rigorous intellectual property protection laws and ideal legal framework for the conversion of accomplishments greatly boost the regional innovation vitality and economic efficiency, particularly in the case study of Zhongguancun in Beijing and East China. Moreover, adaptive weighting is used to enhance the PSO algorithm and optimize the development of science and technology legal system’s comprehensive performance index, thereby confirming the model’s viability and efficacy. The study’s findings offer theoretical justification and helpful advice for China’s development of a science and technology legal framework, which is crucial for fostering innovation in these fields and boosting the country’s competitiveness.

How higher education institutions may catalyse regional innovation ecosystems: The case of polytechnics in Portugal

This article explores the crucial role of higher education institutions in catalysing regional innovation ecosystems. In particular, it aims to study how polytechnics in Portugal have been involved in this process. The research utilizes an exploratory and reflective case study approach to present real-world evidence of collaborative efforts within innovation networks that involve both businesses and the social economy. Thus, the study raises awareness of collaborative innovation and entrepreneurship networks, emphasizing genuine interactive learning and knowledge exchange. Polytechnic institutions can enhance regional competitiveness by providing education and training for future entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals, as well as offering technological and managerial solutions that drive value creation and the emergence of new businesses and markets, potentially even on an international level. The study also emphasizes the fourth mission of higher education institutions, particularly polytechnic institutes, focusing on empowering communities through social innovation projects for sustainable local and regional development.

로컬기반의 창업교육 교육과정 및 교과목 개발 사례 연구 : T대학 「로컬콘텐츠 중점대학」 사례를 중심으로

Recently, efforts to foster young entrepreneurs who can settle in the region are expanding through the active introduction and activation of various local entrepreneurship education and support programs for balanced development of the community. This study attempted to present examples and implications of startup-based local content-focused universities that local universities plan to operate, based on previous research on regional innovation systems, domestic and international advanced cases, and the results of reviewing local government startup support policies. . As a result of the study, looking at local industrial trends, it is necessary to operate courses that can offset the obstacles to starting a business and difficulties after starting a business, and there is a need to open related courses for nurturing local creators and courses on analyzing startup market trends.In addition, more attention is needed on the government and local governments' support policies related to start-ups, and practical training such as mentoring should be supplemented so that those preparing to start a business can receive support through the relevant policies. In addition, there is a need to clarify the identity of future roles of those receiving training, and the areas of commercializing resources such as community, culture, and infrastructure should be reflected in the curriculum. The results of this study may provide implications for expanding local-based entrepreneurship education leading models and curricular and non-curricular programs under the regional innovation system in the future.

Will large-scale low-carbon guidance activities improve residents’ green living standards? Evidence from China

In order to address the escalating climate change crisis and meet Net-Zero Emission targets, it is necessary to form a widespread green lifestyle as soon as possible. Based on annual panel data at the provincial level in China from 2008 to 2019, this paper systematically explores the impact of large-scale guidance activities on residents' green lifestyles by constructing a multi-period DID model. The results show that the national low-carbon pilot significantly improves the green living standards of residents, and these results remain robust after various rigorous tests. In addition, the results of heterogeneity analysis show that in areas with higher income levels and education levels, the low-carbon pilot projects have a better impact on improving residents' green lifestyles. Furthermore, this paper reveals that residents' environmental awareness and regional green innovation levels significantly and positively moderate the impact of the pilot projects on residents’ green lifestyles. This study expands our understanding of the mechanisms driving a green lifestyle, offering valuable insights for governments aiming to promote widespread adoption of green practices and formulate effective policies.

Basic principles and logical-functional model of moderation of interaction between participants of the regional innovation system

Basic principles and logical-functional model of moderation of interaction between participants of the regional innovation system