A comparative analysis of changes in urban innovation spatial correlation effect in China and its driving factors

ABSTRACT

On the basis of gravity and potential models combined with GIS spatial analysis method, this paper analyses the change characteristics of the urban innovation spatial correlation effect in China and its driving factors. The main conclusions are as follows: first, the density of urban innovation spatial correlation in China has increased from 1990 to 2014. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu are the most important node cities in China's urban innovation spatial correlation network. Second, in 1990, seven innovation correlation zones formed around Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, and Xi'an. Among them, Beijing has the largest innovation correlation radiation intensity. In 2014, the innovation correlation intensities of Guangzhou and Shanghai have exceeded that of Beijing. Relying on good scientific research resources and military infrastructure, the innovation correlation intensities of Chengdu, Xi'an and Wuhan is also increase gradually under the guidance of innovation-driven and military-civilian integration strategies. The innovation correlation intensity of Shenyang shows a certain degree of decline because of the rigid mechanism and other reasons. Third, the geographical adjacency and similarity in marketization degree, economic development level, and human capital significantly positively affect the urban innovation spatial correlation and spillover effect.

KEYWORDS:

• Spatial correlation effect
• urban innovation
• change characteristics
• driving factor
• China

Acknowledgements

This paper is the stage achievement of National Social Science Foundation Project (17BGL266) in China. The authors thank for the support of National Social Science Foundation in China.

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Social Science Foundation of China [grant number 17BGL266].

Notes on contributors

Xiongfeng Pan

Xiongfeng Pan is a professor on innovation management at School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology now. His research focuses on technology innovation and sustainable development.

Junhui Chu

Junhui Chu is a master student at School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology now. Her research interesting focuses on innovation management.

Xianyou Pan

Xianyou Pan is a PhD candidate at School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology now. His study mainly focuses on areas including efficiency evaluation and decision-making modeling.

Mengyang Wang

Mengyang Wang is a master student at School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology now. Her research interesting focuses on regional economics.