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Can Urban Sprawl Promote Enterprise Innovation? Evidence from A-Share Listed Companies in China

Author

Listed:
  • Zeru Jiang

    (School of Government, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Hai Dian Qu, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Bo Zhang

    (School of Government, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Hai Dian Qu, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Chunlai Yuan

    (School of Government, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Hai Dian Qu, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Zhaojie Han

    (School of Economics and Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 Xida Street, Nan Gang Qu, Harbin 150001, China)

  • Jiangtao Liu

    (Business School, Renmin University of China, 59 Zhongguancun Street, Hai Dian Qu, Beijing 100872, China)

Abstract

Urban sprawl does not invariably impede factor agglomeration; rather, it can foster polycentric urban configurations, thereby enhancing productivity and encouraging enterprise innovation. This study investigates the effect of urban sprawl on enterprise innovation using data for A-share listed Chinese companies from 2010 to 2020. The results reveal a significant inverted U-shaped relationship between urban sprawl and enterprise innovation, particularly among large enterprises, well-established entities, non-state-owned enterprises, and those operating in non-manufacturing sectors. Additionally, the effects of urban sprawl on the inverted U-shaped relationship are more pronounced in the north-eastern regions and small cities. Regional integration significantly moderates the inverted U-shaped relationship between urban sprawl and enterprise innovation. This research contributes new insights to the field of enterprise innovation, offering theoretical and empirical support for analyzing the economic implications of urban sprawl.

Suggested Citation

  • Zeru Jiang & Bo Zhang & Chunlai Yuan & Zhaojie Han & Jiangtao Liu, 2024. "Can Urban Sprawl Promote Enterprise Innovation? Evidence from A-Share Listed Companies in China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:5:p:710-:d:1397167
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aud Tennøy & Gro Sandkjær Hanssen & Einar Leknes, 2025. "Experiences of Using Urban Growth Agreements to Influence Local Land Use Policy and Stop Sprawl," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-22, February.

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