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High-speed rail expansion and university innovation output: evidence from China

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  • Ma ZhiQiang
  • Zhang Jianhong

Abstract

This paper examines the role of infrastructure development in public sector innovation by estimating the impact of High-Speed Rail (HSR) on university technological innovation output and collaboration. Using data on China’s HSR networks and patent data of 1202 universities from 2006 to 2021, this study found that high-speed rail infrastructure plays a significant role in enhancing the technological innovation output of universities. However, the innovation effects of HSR are not equally distributed among universities. Specifically, the effect is stronger for 1) non-top tier universities compared to top-tier universities; 2) public universities compared to private universities; 3) science and engineering universities compared to other types of universities; and 4) universities located near university hubs compared to those in more isolated areas. Additionally, by analysing intercity university collaborative patents between city pairs, the study found that HSR enhances innovation collaboration between universities in different cities. The effect is significant between a top-tier university hub and a non-top-tier university hub, and between non-top-tier university hubs. However, it is insignificant between top-tier university hubs.

Suggested Citation

  • Ma ZhiQiang & Zhang Jianhong, 2026. "High-speed rail expansion and university innovation output: evidence from China," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(17), pages 3264-3277, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:58:y:2026:i:17:p:3264-3277
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2025.2484033
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