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The power of speed: High-speed railways and scientific research competitiveness in China

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  • Li, Ping
  • Wang, Yujing
  • Li, Meng
  • Gao, Haoyu

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact opening of high-speed railways (HSR) on scientific research competitiveness using data from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) research grants. We employ a difference-in-differences framework to estimate the causal effects of the treatment universities located in cities connected by HSR. Our results indicate that the treatment universities experience significant improvements in their scientific research competitiveness. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we reveal the extensive positive effects of HSR on human capital accumulation, government funding, and information resources. These findings shed light on the microscopic mechanisms that facilitate positive spillover of knowledge creation and innovation resources from large cities to small cities through transportation infrastructure.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Ping & Wang, Yujing & Li, Meng & Gao, Haoyu, 2024. "The power of speed: High-speed railways and scientific research competitiveness in China," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:asieco:v:95:y:2024:i:c:s1049007824001283
    DOI: 10.1016/j.asieco.2024.101833
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Transportation infrastructure; scientific research competitiveness; National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)；;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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