Knowledge innovation network externalities in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area: borrowing size or agglomeration shadow?

ABSTRACT

The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is one of the most active innovation areas in China, but the complex institutional and cultural environment makes innovation cooperation among the cities challenging. Based on 2001–2019 data, this study analyses the spatial pattern and externalities of GBA’s knowledge innovation network using a social network method and spatial econometric model. Results show that Guangzhou and Hong Kong have always been the cores of knowledge innovation in network. Shenzhen emerged as an innovation centre after 2012, and other cities have become peripheral areas in the network. Small- and medium-sized cities do not benefit from the innovative development of core cities but are trapped in their agglomeration shadow. Institutional and cultural differences are the main obstacles hindering innovation cooperation between cities. In comparison, distance has fewer limitations on innovation cooperation. The negative externality of knowledge innovation network indicates that this region should narrow the gap of spatial differences, optimise the innovation network pattern to improve the network externalities.

KEYWORDS:

• Knowledge innovation
• network externalities
• agglomeration shadow

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 In order to maintain the appropriate length, data description and statistical characteristics are not shown in the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Funded Projects [Grant No. 42071154], Ministry of Education Humanities and Social Sciences Planning Fund [Grant No. 20YJA790010], Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai [Grant No. 21ZR1421100].

Notes on contributors

Wenyi Yang

Wenyi Yang, a lecturer at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law. Dr. Yang's research focuses on urban economics and spatial structure.

Fei Fan

Fei Fan, Associate Prof. of Economic Development, Supervisor for Doctor Degree Candidates, Post-doctoral Researcher of Economics. Prof. Fan's research focuses on the science and technology globalisation, the industrial location, theurban and regional innovation.

Xueli Wang

Xueli Wang, a doctoral student in regional economics at Wuhan University. Dr Wang's research interests are urban economy and sustainable development.

Haichao Yu

Haichao Yu, a doctoral student in regional economics at Wuhan University. Dr. Yu's research mainly focuses on the regional economic development and regional innovation.