Research On The Effect And Mechanism Of High-speed Rail Network On The Spatial Pattern Of Regional Innovation

Transport infrastructure has been regarded as one of the most important driving factors in determining the spatial distribution of economic activities.As a key component of the modern transportation system,the high-speed rail(HSR)network has changed the agglomeration of economic entities and factors,and reshaped the spatial pattern of regional development including the innovation network and enterprise distribution.This thesis studies the impact of the HSR network on the spatial pattern of regional innovation,and tests the mechanism from the perspective of spatial redistribution of industry.The research not only helps to identify the externalities of HSR,but also provides implications for the planning of the HSR network,which contributes to optimizing the layout of regional innovation and industry.Furthermore,the research can also provide evidences for the effect of transportation costs on knowledge spillovers,technology diffusion,and division of labor within the region.Focusing on the effect and mechanism of the HSR network on the spatial pattern of regional innovation,this thesis firstly conducts a theoretical analysis of the logical relationship between HSR,industry and innovation,based on the theoretical framework of Economic Geography.Then,this thesis constructs the HSR network and the regional innovation network,analyzes the structural characteristics,and explores the dynamic coupling relationship between the two networks,based on the Social Network Analysis.After that,this thesis identifies the impact of the HSR network on regional innovation output,regional innovation cooperation and division of labor,based on various econometric models.Finally,this thesis examines the mediating effects of industrial agglomeration,industrial convergence,and industrial division of labor in the paths of HSR network affecting the spatial pattern of regional innovation,based on the Causal Steps Approach.It is found that:(1)Both the HSR network and regional innovation network have obvious spatial differentiation characteristics.From 2008 to 2015,the coupling relationship between the two networks has been strengthened year by year.(2)The HSR network has improved the city’s innovation output and narrowed the innovation gap between cities along the HSR line.(3)The HSR network has strengthened regional innovation cooperation,and its influence is mainly reflected in cities with short and medium distances.(4)The HSR network has improved the specialization of urban innovation,strengthened the innovation correlation between cities,promoted the related diversification of innovation within the urban agglomeration.(5)The HSR network indirectly affects the spatial pattern of regional innovation through the mediating effects of industrial agglomeration,industrial convergence,and industrial division of labor.In the last part,this thesis puts forward policy implications on optimizing the layout of HSR network,regional innovation and industry distribution.This thesis makes academic contributions in providing theoretical supplements,empirical evidences,and new methods for analyzing the network effect of transport infrastructure.