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Subways and the Diffusion of Knowledge: Evidence from China

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Listed:
  • Qiao Wang
  • Xiuyan Liu
  • Fan Zhang
  • Tao Hu

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the role of the subway network, a typical form of transportation within urban areas, on innovation and knowledge diffusion. Applying the difference‐in‐differences strategy and spatial analysis, we used 1,332 newly opened stations in China from 2000 to 2013 as a quasi‐experiment to identify the local effects of subway expansions. Results suggested that by reducing communication costs and increasing opportunities for interaction, subway construction would bring growth at the district level. Knowledge dissemination would become more active after new stations open. Micro‐level results showed that these positive impacts were highly localized; that is, only those firms located within 1km around stations benefited from the new subway. Moreover, new subways facilitated the flow of knowledge from station to station and assisted firms in acquiring knowledge from more distant technology clusters conveniently.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiao Wang & Xiuyan Liu & Fan Zhang & Tao Hu, 2022. "Subways and the Diffusion of Knowledge: Evidence from China," China & World Economy, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 30(4), pages 60-99, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:chinae:v:30:y:2022:i:4:p:60-99
    DOI: 10.1111/cwe.12428
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Binkai Chen & Ming Lu, 2022. "Guest Editors' Words," China & World Economy, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 30(4), pages 1-3, July.
    2. Long, Cheryl Xiaoning & Yi, Wei, 2024. "Information effects of high-speed rail: Evidence from patent citations in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    3. Fan Zhang & Xiuyan Liu & Songlin Li, 2023. "Rebuilding or refurbishing: Heterogeneity effects of urban renewal strategy," Asian Economic Journal, East Asian Economic Association, vol. 37(1), pages 51-81, March.
    4. Liu, Xiuyan & Zhang, Fan & Wang, Qiao, 2025. "More than a new campus: University's spatial expansion, emerging knowledge cluster, and innovation growth," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    5. Li, Lei & Liu, Bocong & Sheng, Bin & Wang, Tianyu, 2025. "“A tale of two rails”: Transportation infrastructure and technological spillovers from R&D center foreign firms," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).

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