Innovation, Network Capabilities, and Sustainable Development of Regional Economies in China

Published in Sustainability, 2019

Core contribution: This article conceptualizes regional innovation as a network-capability problem rather than a simple stock of local resources. By distinguishing scientific and technological knowledge networks, it shows how acquisition and control capabilities mediate the transformation from knowledge flows to innovation and sustainable regional development.

Highlights
  • Distinguishes scientific knowledge networks from technological knowledge networks.
  • Frames acquisition capability and control capability as two mechanisms of regional innovation.
  • Connects knowledge-flow positions with sustainable regional development outcomes.
  • Interprets innovation development through the shift between global pipelines and local buzz.
Conceptual poster showing network capability transforming knowledge flows into regional innovation
Graphical abstract