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Regional Science & Technology and Innovation

Research on the Network Model of Intergovernmental  Collaboration in Regional Science and Technology Innovation —A Comparative Analysis of Three Urban Agglomerations in the  Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River 

Liu Ting, Li Yamin 

(College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China)

Abstract: As a public good with "spillover effects", the scale effect of science and technology  innovation cannot be ignored. In the context of the uneven distribution of technological  innovation resources in China, it is crucial to promote the connection, exchange, and coconstruction of regional science and technology innovation resources through intergovernmental  cooperation, thereby enhancing the overall level of regional science and technology innovation. In the regional development pattern of China, the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of  the Yangtze River occupies an important position and has become an important force in driving  regional economic development and supporting the rise of the central region. Studying the  cluster development of the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River is of  great significance for its own economic and social development as well as coordinating regional  development. Therefore, from the perspective of network governance, this article attempts to conduct  relevant research on intergovernmental cooperation in scientific and technological innovation  within urban agglomerations, starting from the overall and individual levels, with local  governments as the main body. Using the intergovernmental agreements on science and technology innovation of Wuhan City Circle, Ring Changzhutan Urban Agglomeration, and Ring  Poyang Lake Urban Agglomeration as data samples, this study employed policy text quantitative  analysis and social network analysis to analyze and compare the current status and internal  characteristics of science and technology innovation intergovernmental cooperation in the three  urban agglomerations. The study also characterized the structure and characteristics of the  regional science and technology innovation network, including the status influence of various government entities in the network. Additionally, , role, and degree of   the study summarized and  compared local governments' cooperation network governance models in three urban  agglomerations. The main conclusions are as follows: In terms of the intergovernmental collaboration on  science and technology innovation in the three city clusters, the number of cooperation is  generally on the rise; informal agreements are the main types of agreements, and the level of  institutionalization is relatively low; bilateral cooperation is predominant in terms of the scale of  agreements, and there is relatively more abundant cooperation between grassroots governments  in the Changzhutan Urban Agglomeration. In terms of the cooperation network model of science  and technology innovation among the three urban agglomerations, the Wuhan City Circle has the  highest density of cooperation network, and the network centrality of each city is relatively close, which is manifested as a network administrative organization network model (NAO); in the Ring  Changzhutan Urban Agglomeration, the three cities of Changzhutan are at the center of the  cooperation network, and there is no significant difference in the agreements between each other, but there are obvious differences in the cooperation relationships with the other five cities, which  is manifested as a shared governance network model (SG); the cooperation density of the Ring  Poyang Lake Urban Agglomeration is relatively the lowest, and the network centrality of  Nanchang is the highest, and there is competition between the cities, which is manifested as a  lead organization network model (NLO). According to the research conclusions, some policy  suggestions are proposed for the intergovernmental collaboration of science and technology  innovation in the three urban agglomerations of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River: expand  the level of cooperation, standardize intergovernmental cooperation, and give full play to the  radiation and driving role of key cities. As for the development of regional intergovernmental  cooperation in science and technology innovation, the policy recommendations are as follows: First, local governments should strengthen guidance and actively participate in science and  technology innovation cooperation. Second, enrich the policy tools and contents of science and  technology innovation. Third, balance competition and cooperation among local governments. 

Key words: science & technology innovation; intergovernmental collaboration; cooperation  networks; urban agglomeration