Driving green collaborative innovation through knowledge spillover: the role of industrial relocation

Purpose This study aims to systematically examine the impact of knowledge spillovers on Green Collaborative Innovation (GCI), and further analyze the mediating role played by industrial relocation within this process. Design/methodology/approach Using panel data from 284 Chinese cities (2010–2023), this study uses a two-way fixed effects model to assess the impact of knowledge spillovers on GCI, with subgroup and spatial Durbin models capturing heterogeneity and spatial effects. An industrial relocation index is constructed from firm registration data to examine the mediating role of industrial relocation. Findings The results demonstrate that knowledge spillovers significantly promote GCI and exhibit clear spatial spillover effects. The impact is stronger in eastern, non-resource-based and nontraditional industrial cities. Mechanism analysis further shows that industrial relocation acts as a significant mediator, with technology-intensive relocation exerting the strongest effect, followed by capital-intensive and then labor-intensive relocation. In addition, the mediating role is more evident in receiving cities than in sending cities. Originality/value This study highlights how knowledge spillovers drive green transformation by revealing a “knowledge–relocation–collaboration” transmission mechanism. It extends knowledge management theory to regional green innovation and industrial policy, offering fresh insights into optimizing knowledge allocation and enhancing regional green collaboration.