Exploring the Spatial and Temporal Evolution Characteristics of Collaborative Innovation Network in Chengdu-Chongqing Urban Agglomeration and Its Impact on Regional Innovation Efficiency
- 1 School of Economic, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- 2 School of Economic, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- 3 School of Economic, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Abstract
The Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration is designated by the national government as an innovation highland in central and western China, and thus plays a pivotal role in the country’s innovation-driven development. However, research on collaborative-innovation mechanisms in the western region, and particularly on their economic consequences, remains scant. This paper analyzes 2015-2024 joint publications data from 24 administrative regions within the Chengdu-Chongqing cluster to examine the spatiotemporal evolution of its collaborative-innovation network and its impact on regional innovation efficiency. Using social-network analysis, we find that over the past decade the network’s density has increased significantly, the average path length has shortened, and the clustering coefficient has remained stable—forming a “high-density, short-path, moderate-agglomeration” structure. Degree centralization first rose and then fell, indicating a maturing network. In terms of innovation efficiency, the cluster exhibits a “effective first and then ineffective”. Regression results show that network density correlates positively with regional innovation efficiency, whereas centralization and average path length correlate negatively. Based on these findings, we propose strategic measures to optimize the Chengdu-Chongqing collaborative-innovation network for enhanced efficiency.
- Chen, H., Yang, J., & Gu, Y. (2024). Characteristics of Collaborative Innovation Network Structure, Evolution Law and Collaborative Innovation Efficiency in Urban Agglomerations—An Empirical Study Based on Joint Origination Data. Urban Development Research, 31 , 32-38.
- Dai, L., Ding, Z., Cao, Z., Wu, K., & Wang, R. (2023). Change and Driving Forces of Intercity Collaborative Innovation Networks in the Yangtze River Delta Region. Resource Science , 45, 1006-1019. https://doi.org/10.18402/resci.2023.05.10
- Feng, C., Han, X., Shi, D., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Analysis of Collaborative Innovation Network and Influencing Factors of City Cluster under the Perspective of Multidimensional Proximity. China Science and Technology Forum, No. 10 , 50-61.
- Freeman, C. (1991). Networks of Innovators: A Synthesis of Research Issues. Research Policy, 20, 499-514. https://doi.org/10.1016/0048-7333(91)90072-x
- Huang, C. (2021). Research on Network Structure Evolution and Economic Effect of City Cluster Collaborative Innovation . Shandong Normal University.
- Li, L., & Peng, C. (2020). Study on the Spatial and Temporal Evolution of the Spatial Association Network Structure of Collaborative Innovation in City Clusters in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River. Human Geography, 35 , 94-102.
- Li, M., Sun, Y., & Zhang, H. (2021). Research on the Problems and Countermeasures in the Construction of Collaborative Innovation Network System of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei City Cluster. Science and Technology Think Tank, No. 10 , 70-76.
- Liu, D. (2020). Evolution of Innovation Network Structure Characteristics and Its Collaborative Innovation Development in Chengdu-Chongqing City Cluster. China Soft Science, No. 11 , 154-161.
- Liu, Y., Qian, M., & Wang, Y. (2023). Spillover Effect of Incubation Network Innovation Synergy on Regional Innovation Efficiency—An Empirical Study Based on Three Major Urban Agglomerations in China. China Soft Science, No. 3 , 32-41.
- Ma, H., Xu, L., & Hu, X. (2024). A Review of the Progress of Innovation Network Research in Urban Agglomerations at Home and Abroad. Human Geography, 39 , 51-58.
- Pan, C., & Mu, A. (2022). Comparative Study on Collaborative Innovation Network of Three Major City Clusters in China—Based on Patent Cooperation Data. Journal of Chongqing University of Technology (Social Science), 36 , 81-93.
- Pan, C., Mu, A., & Zhai, W. (2022). Structure and Spatial Characteristics of Collaborative Innovation Network of Three Major Urban Agglomerations in China: A Comparative Analysis Based on Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Economic System Reform, No. 2 , 50-58.