Embedding city revival into state-driven innovation system: unravelling the state–local entrepreneurial toolkits for innovation

Abstract

What spatial interactions exist between state-driven innovation system building and regional rebalancing locally? Xi'an's resurgence via the development of the Xi'an–Xianyang New Area demonstrates how state's pursuit of the mission of national rejuvenation through indigenous innovation and regional rebalance intersects with state entrepreneurialism. Using our framework of dual entrepreneurialism, we investigate the evolutionary multi-scalar governance of Xi'an–Xianyang New Area from 2002 to the present. As a national project driven by subnational governments, it supports regional integration of urban development, industries and innovation. We find the instrumental role of an entrepreneurial province in mitigating local conflicts and the importance of entrepreneurial initiatives in assembling pro-innovation factors. Our findings enrich understanding of state–local entrepreneurial toolkits for innovation in mission-oriented economy.