Evolution of regional collaborative innovation network by the ‘two-wheel drive' of external proximity and endogenous gravity.

Collaborative innovation is the key support for promoting high-quality regional development. Taking Guangdong, Fujian and Zhejiang coastal city clusters as an example, this paper analyzes the evolution mechanism of collaborative innovation network based on the ‘two-wheel drive' perspective of external proximity and endogenous gravity. The results show that the difference of resource control ability among nodes in the network is decreasing, and the inverted ‘V’ structure with Xiamen and Putian as the main apex has evolved into a more robust ‘dual core’ (Fuzhou-Xiamen) radiation-type spatial structure. In addition, the evolution of regional collaborative innovation network is driven by ‘two wheels’. In external proximity, institutional proximity plays the strongest role in promoting, followed by geographical proximity, and the promoting role of technological proximity is gradually weakened. In the endogenous gravity, the influence of investment in science and education is strengthening, while the influence of the administrative level is declining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]