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Innovation, Network Capabilities, and Sustainable Development of Regional Economies in China

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  • Dandan Li

    (Key Research Institute of Yellow River Civilization and Sustainable Development, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
    Collaborative Innovation Center on Yellow River Civilization Co-founded by Henan Province and the Ministry of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
    College of Environment and Planning, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China)

  • Yehua Dennis Wei

    (Key Research Institute of Yellow River Civilization and Sustainable Development, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
    Department of Geography, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9155, USA)

  • Changhong Miao

    (Key Research Institute of Yellow River Civilization and Sustainable Development, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
    Collaborative Innovation Center on Yellow River Civilization Co-founded by Henan Province and the Ministry of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
    College of Environment and Planning, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China)

  • Yangyi Wu

    (Department of Geography, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9155, USA)

  • Weiye Xiao

    (Department of Geography, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9155, USA)

Abstract

This paper studies the relationships between network capabilities and innovation development in the context of two types of innovation networks: scientific knowledge networks (SKN) and technological knowledge networks (TKN). Focusing on two types of network capabilities, namely acquisition capability and control capability, the paper uses spatial regime models to compare the impacts of multiple factors on different spatial regimes. The main conclusions are the following. First, as regards SKN, the political-administrative hierarchy has shaped the spatial evolution of acquisition capacity, forming a pattern consisting of three dominant cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing), three subsidiary cities (Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Wuhan), and multiple lesser centers (Tianjin, Chengdu, Xi’an). Moreover, high control capability cities are mainly clustered in the coastal areas, specifically, one monocentric city (Beijing) and two polycentric metropolises (Shanghai, Wuhan). Second, for TKN, cities with high acquisition and control also are mainly found in coastal areas, with Shanghai and Beijing dominating network capabilities. The model’s analysis confirms the positive effect of network capabilities on innovation development, especially in scientific knowledge networks, and the driver for regional innovation development appears to have shifted from global pipeline (globalization) to local buzz (localized talents). This paper concludes with suggestions regarding network capabilities’ potential to reduce regional inequality and achieve sustainable development of regional economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Dandan Li & Yehua Dennis Wei & Changhong Miao & Yangyi Wu & Weiye Xiao, 2019. "Innovation, Network Capabilities, and Sustainable Development of Regional Economies in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:17:p:4770-:d:262998
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    2. Mohamed Haffar & Rasim Ozcan & Magdalena Radulescu & Nicoleta Isac & Abdelmohsen A. Nassani, 2021. "Hegemony of Network Capabilities, Frugal Innovation and Innovation Strategies: The Innovation Performance Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    3. Meimei Chen & Libang Ma & Xinglong Che & Haojian Dou, 2020. "Identification of Transformation Stages and Evolution of Agricultural Development Types Based on Total Factor Productivity Analysis: A Case Study of Gansu Province, China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-19, August.
    4. Mingbo Sun & Xueqing Zhang & Xiaoxiao Zhang, 2022. "The Impact of a Multilevel Innovation Network and Government Support on Innovation Performance—An Empirical Study of the Chengdu–Chongqing City Cluster," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-17, June.

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