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Higher education or scientific research: Which one contributes more to China's green innovation?

Author

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  • Zhou, Xiaoxiao
  • Jia, Mengyu
  • Li, Wenqing
  • Zhao, Xin
  • Gatto, Andrea
  • Ma, Xiaowei

Abstract

Green innovation (GI) is widely accepted as a driver of carbon neutrality and sustainable development. Human resource is the executor of green innovation, both higher education (HE) and scientific research (SR) are vital to green innovation. This study explores the impact of HE and SR on GI in 285 prefecture-level cities in China from 2003 to 2019. The results show that both HE and SR contribute significantly to GI. Researcher density, regional innovation, and entrepreneurship capacity were introduced as mediating variables, and the results appear to be all significant mediating effects. Finally, corresponding recommendations were made: the government should strengthen the coordination of education and science and technology resources, promote interactive enterprises and universities’ development, and strengthen GI in western China.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhou, Xiaoxiao & Jia, Mengyu & Li, Wenqing & Zhao, Xin & Gatto, Andrea & Ma, Xiaowei, 2024. "Higher education or scientific research: Which one contributes more to China's green innovation?," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceps:v:94:y:2024:i:c:s0038012124001186
    DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2024.101919
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    3. Zhang, Fan & Wang, Feng & Yao, Shujie, 2024. "Does government-driven infrastructure boost green innovation? Evidence of new infrastructure plan in China," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).

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