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Does the innovative city pilot policy improve university–industry collaborations in China?

Author

Listed:
  • Lu Dai

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Yuhan He

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Shougui Luo

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

Abstract

This paper aims to estimate the policy effect of the innovative city pilot policy (ICPP), on the micro-entities’ innovation collaboration. Using the patent data retrieved manually from 1270 Chinese universities and staggered establishments of innovative city pilots in various Chinese cities, we find that ICPP has positive effects on university–industry collaborations (UICs). And a number of additional checks show that the results are robust. Financial support, talent cultivation and interaction, and construction of research facilities are three plausible underlying channels. The policy effects also vary heterogeneously based on city and university characteristics. Our study contributes to the literature on the effect of place-based policies on UICs and provides new insights into improving UIC practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Lu Dai & Yuhan He & Shougui Luo, 2025. "Does the innovative city pilot policy improve university–industry collaborations in China?," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 50(1), pages 375-398, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:50:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10961-024-10107-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-024-10107-4
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