PROGRESS IN GEOGRAPHY ›› 2016, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (10): 1218-1227.doi: 10.18306/dlkxjz.2016.10.005

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Spatial distribution and influencing factors of high-tech industry innovation in China:Based on spatial econometric analysis of panel data

Quanen GUO1,2(), Bindong SUN1,2,*()   

  1. 1. Center for Modern Chinese City Studies, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
    2. School of Urban and Regional Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
  • Online:2016-10-28 Published:2016-10-26
  • Contact: Bindong SUN E-mail:guoqedili@126.com;bdsun@re.ecnu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    [Foundation: National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.41471139;Project of Philosophy & Social Science of Shanghai, No.2014BCK003

Abstract:

Using panel data of Chinese provinces for the period 2003-2012, this article investigates the spatial distribution of high-tech industry innovation by applying the global difference index and kernel density estimation, and analyzes its influencing factors with spatial econometric models. The results show that: There are striking regional disparities in high-tech industry innovation, and the innovation level in the eastern area is significantly higher than the central and western areas. During the period from 2003 to 2012, regional disparity of high-tech industry innovation showed a narrowing tendency after the initial expansion, and the spatial distribution of regional innovation showed a trend from agglomeration to spreading. A clear spillover of innovation between adjacent provinces is verified by this study. Research and development (R & D) capital, R & D personnel, university research, size of high-tech firms, and openness of the market are all positively related to high-tech industry innovation. R & D personnel inputs and openness of the market can benefit neighboring regions as well, but the size of firm has a negative influence on regions with close geographic proximity. We propose that strengthening the inputs of R & D capitals and R & D personnel in western and central China, emphasizing the role that university plays in the development of innovation, breaking regional barriers for facilitating technology flow, and promoting the openness of the market are beneficial for increasing the overall innovation level and reducing regional differences.

Key words: high-tech industry, innovation, spatial distribution, spatial econometric model, influencing factor, China