The spatiotemporal evolution of digital technology innovation and multidimensional mechanism of digitalization

Advancing digital technology represent a critical strategic response to the ongoing technological revolution and industrial transformation, constituting a research focus in innovation geography. This study analyses the spatiotemporal evolution of digital technology innovation (DTI) across 296 China cities, employing panel regression models to explore the multidimensional digitalization enabling mechanisms. The results show that the number of authorized digital technology invention patents in China increased from 46,456 in 2011 to 404,014 in 2022, representing an average annual growth rate of 21.73 %. Enterprises serving as the core actors of DTI, especially in digital product manufacturing. The impact of digital infrastructure and digital economy industry on DTI follows an inverted U-shaped curve, while digital inclusive finance demonstrates a U-shaped impact. Digital talent plays a significant facilitating role. Notably, the impacts of multidimensional digitalization vary across different digital industries and cities of varying sizes. Multidimensional digitalization influences DTI in surrounding cities through polarization and trickle-down effects, facilitating the diffusion of innovative resources. These findings provide specific guidance for promoting digital technology innovation.