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Metropolitan Innovation and Sustainability in China—A Double Lens Perspective on Regional Development

Author

Listed:
  • Xiangdong Chen

    (School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Ruixi Li

    (School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Xin Niu

    (School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Ulrich Hilpert

    (Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany)

  • Valerie Hunstock

    (School of International Trade and Economics, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing 100029, China)

Abstract

This study proposes and integrates a double lens investigation framework on sustainability and diversities of innovation at the city level in China. Lens I concerns economic performance with the energy intensiveness of the production mode and Lens II involves a four-dimensional model with the current and potential elements of innovation at the city level. Based on 106Chinese cities data, sample cities grouped in Traditional Regions (TRs), Top Economic Regions (TEs) and New Economy Regions (NEs) of the 9 groups are clarified via the Investigation Lens I, with respect to production power, market openness and energy intensive use. The further research findings through the Investigation Lens II show that there are clear connections between innovation and sustainability and such connections are diversified due to economic reasons but also importantly, due to potential factors of human resource and knowledge creation. Cities in TEs group and especially NEs group in China are important on innovation and sustainability while southern cities in China are more innovative, with a higher potentiality of economic growth than cities in northern China. Industrial tradition and business culture can be one of the key factors influencing local innovation and sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiangdong Chen & Ruixi Li & Xin Niu & Ulrich Hilpert & Valerie Hunstock, 2018. "Metropolitan Innovation and Sustainability in China—A Double Lens Perspective on Regional Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-26, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:2:p:489-:d:131545
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