Organization Mechanisms and Spatial Characteristics of Urban Collaborative Innovation Networks: A Case Study in Hangzhou, China

Abstract

Promoting the development of collaborative innovation networks is crucial for cities to achieve sustainable innovation. Hangzhou was selected as a case study. Based on the cooperation patent data from 2000 to 2017, we examined the scale problem, calculated the topology, and analyzed the coordination mechanisms and spatial characteristics of the topology structure. The results show that in terms of the development trend, collaborative innovation is an important pathway for innovation, and multi-subject collaborative innovation is necessary. Collaborative innovation occurs between enterprises and between enterprises and universities. With regards to topological structure, we found “Zhejiang University as a center, other universities as cores”, with the characteristics of diffusion development and fragmentation. In terms of spatial structure, we observed a networked spatial organization model with multiple centers, such as universities and industrial parks. A circle with a radius of five kilometers around a university was found to be an area of highly concentrated innovation subjects that are synergistically associated with universities. On this basis, the laws are summarized and suggestions are provided to support the research and practice of urban innovation spatial planning in China.