The power of speed: High-speed railways and scientific research competitiveness in China

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact opening of high-speed railways (HSR) on scientific research competitiveness using data from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) research grants. We employ a difference-in-differences framework to estimate the causal effects of the treatment universities located in cities connected by HSR. Our results indicate that the treatment universities experience significant improvements in their scientific research competitiveness. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we reveal the extensive positive effects of HSR on human capital accumulation, government funding, and information resources. These findings shed light on the microscopic mechanisms that facilitate positive spillover of knowledge creation and innovation resources from large cities to small cities through transportation infrastructure.