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The Innovative Construction of Provinces, Regional Artificial Intelligence Development, and the Resilience of Regional Innovation Ecosystems: Quasi-Natural Experiments Based on Spatial Difference-in-Differences Models and Double Machine Learning

Author

Listed:
  • Ruiyu Hu

    (Business School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China)

  • Zemenghong Bao

    (Business School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China)

  • Zhisen Lin

    (Business School, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China)

  • Kun Lv

    (Business School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
    Ningbo Urban Civilization Research Institute, Ningbo 315211, China)

Abstract

Based on the theory of regional innovation niches, this study calculates the resilience of regional innovation ecosystems and constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system for regional artificial intelligence development, resulting in a panel dataset for 30 provinces in China from 2009 to 2021 (excluding Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). Within the framework of the construction of innovative provinces, regional artificial intelligence, and the resilience of regional innovation ecosystems, spatial double-difference and double machine learning models are employed for a quasi-natural experiment. The main research conclusions are as follows: (1) Both the construction of innovative provinces and artificial intelligence have a significant positive impact on the resilience of regional innovation ecosystems. (2) However, regional artificial intelligence exhibits a negative spatial spillover effect on the resilience of regional innovation ecosystems. (3) The construction of innovative provinces can positively moderate the effect of artificial intelligence on the resilience of regional innovation ecosystems. (4) Through the promotion of regional artificial intelligence, the construction of innovative provinces can indirectly enhance the diversity, evolutionary potential, buffering capacity, fluidity, and coordination of regional innovation ecosystems, thereby driving a leap in resilience. (5) The mechanisms by which the construction of innovative provinces stimulates regional intelligent input, application, innovation, and market dynamics to further enhance the resilience of regional innovation ecosystems are effective not only in the treatment group but also in the control group.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruiyu Hu & Zemenghong Bao & Zhisen Lin & Kun Lv, 2024. "The Innovative Construction of Provinces, Regional Artificial Intelligence Development, and the Resilience of Regional Innovation Ecosystems: Quasi-Natural Experiments Based on Spatial Difference-in-Differences Models and Double Machine Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-37, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:18:p:8251-:d:1483193
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    References listed on IDEAS

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