The spatial spillover effect of technological innovation network in cities: a case of the high-tech industry of Yangtze River Delta

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the formation of the inter-city technology innovation network and its economic effects on the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). To examine the innovation network, this study utilizes high-tech industry registered patent data that provide for a more substantial formation of the inter-city technology network. First, this study finds that a solid technology innovation network was formed between most cities in YRD. Moreover, we found that various small, medium-sized and large cities acted as hubs for the networks. Lastly, a spatial econometrics model was constructed and empirical analysis was conducted to determine whether the spatial spillover effect through YRD’s inter-city technology innovation network actually occurs and to what extent. The result confirms that there is a positive spatial spillover effect through a technology innovation network between cities in the YRD high-tech industrial sector.