The effect of corporate agglomeration networks on breakthrough innovation—Evidence from China

Jinjin Hu, Dong Huo, Delin Wu and Chunhong Yang

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2025, vol. 212, issue C

Abstract: This study investigates whether and how corporate agglomeration networks influence breakthrough innovation. Using a sample of 3097 firms, the research first demonstrates that corporate agglomeration networks facilitate breakthrough innovation, with digital technology adoption playing a synergistic role in this process. Through polynomial regression and mechanism analysis, the study further reveals that corporate agglomeration networks impact breakthrough innovation primarily through two mechanisms: information flow effect and cash flow effect. The impact of corporate agglomeration networks and digital technology adoption on breakthrough innovation exhibits heterogeneity across different technological industries and ownership types. This research enriches the study of corporate agglomeration networks and breakthrough innovation from both spatial and social perspectives, providing insights for corporate agglomeration and innovation policy.

Keywords: Corporate agglomeration networks; Breakthrough innovation; Digital transformation; Information flow effect; Cash flow effect (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:212:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525000113

DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.123980

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