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Fostering regional innovation efficiency through pilot free trade zones: Evidence from China

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  • Xu, Shiteng
  • Shen, Ronghua
  • Zhang, Yahua
  • Cai, Yifei

Abstract

The establishment of a pilot free trade zone (PFTZ) in an economy has motivated researchers to examine whether this supply-side policy fosters innovation efficiency and the associated transmission mechanism. The policy aligns with the concepts of agglomeration economics, which considers that clustering industries and firms in specific geographic areas can enhance knowledge exchange, economies of scale, network effects and access to diverse talent pools. Utilising provincial panel data spanning from 2006 to 2019, this study evaluates how China's PFTZs have affected regional innovation efficiency (RIE). The results indicate that PFTZs have the potential to enhance RIE, with the digital economy serving as an effective catalyst for bolstering this positive influence. Consequently, expanding the PFTZs and establishing new ones can prove pivotal in attracting additional foreign investments and stimulating RIE in the post-COVID era.

Suggested Citation

  • Xu, Shiteng & Shen, Ronghua & Zhang, Yahua & Cai, Yifei, 2024. "Fostering regional innovation efficiency through pilot free trade zones: Evidence from China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 356-367.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:81:y:2024:i:c:p:356-367
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2023.12.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ye, Muqing & Zeng, Wei, 2024. "Government innovation preferences, institutional fragility, and digital economic development," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 541-555.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Pilot free trade zone; Regional innovation efficiency or RIE; PSM; DID;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O24 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Trade Policy; Factor Movement; Foreign Exchange Policy
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O23 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Fiscal and Monetary Policy in Development

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