Evolution and Mechanism of Cooperative Innovation Networks Based on Strategic Emerging Industries: Evidence from Northeast China

Xiaodong Zhou, Tong Liu, Peng Zhang (), Xujia Zhang () and Nanchen Chu
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Xiaodong Zhou: College of Geography Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
Tong Liu: College of Geography Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
Peng Zhang: College of Geography Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
Xujia Zhang: College of Geography Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
Nanchen Chu: College of Geography Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: The rapid flow of resources and participation of diverse entities in the information age drive the formation of innovation networks, yet how these networks evolve in strategic emerging industries—particularly in transitioning regions like Northeast China—remains underexplored. This study investigates the spatial formation and evolution of cooperative innovation networks in strategic emerging industries, as well as the underlying mechanisms driving their development and transformation. Focusing on China’s three northeastern provinces—a representative old industrial base undergoing transformation—we construct and analyze inter- and intra-city cooperative innovation networks from 2009 to 2023 using invention patent data. Employing social network analysis and spatial econometric models, we reveal that while the external network exhibits limited expansion with Beijing as a dominant hub, the internal network demonstrates increasing cohesion, transitioning to a multi-core structure. Factors such as urban innovation capacity, economic proximity, and institutional proximity play key roles in shaping these networks. These findings offer policymakers empirical evidence to strategically optimize cross-regional innovation ecosystems in resource-dependent regions, supporting urban sustainability and fostering innovation-driven development.

Keywords: strategic emerging industries; cooperative innovation network; negative binomial gravity model; three northeastern provinces (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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