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How Resource-Exhausted Cities Get Out of the Innovation Bottom? Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Zihan Hu

    (Business School, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia)

  • Min Wu

    (School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Dan Yang

    (School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Tao Luo

    (Business School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China)

  • Yihao Tian

    (School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
    Social Development and Social Risk Control Research Center of Sichuan Philosophy and Social Sciences Key Research Base, Chengdu 610065, China)

Abstract

The transformation and upgrading of resource-exhausted cities are crucial for regional sustainable development, but how to help them overcome innovation challenges remains to be explored. Based on data from 2003 to 2016, this study used a difference-in-differences (DID) method to examine the impact of China’s support policy for resource-exhausted cities on urban innovation and tests for long-term mechanisms. The results indicate that the support policy significantly enhanced regional innovation levels. The mechanism tests showed that these policies promoted urban innovation through long-term mechanisms of increasing marketization and upgrading industrial structures. Further analysis revealed that the innovation-promoting effects of the policies were more significant in resource-exhausted cities located in the eastern region, those not dependent on coal, those with a low reliance on extractive industries, and those with a favorable talent environment. The findings suggest that the government should provide policy support to achieve the transformation, upgrading, and sustainable development of resource-exhausted cities through urban innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Zihan Hu & Min Wu & Dan Yang & Tao Luo & Yihao Tian, 2024. "How Resource-Exhausted Cities Get Out of the Innovation Bottom? Evidence from China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:8:p:1153-:d:1444414
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