Breaking boundaries: how China’s science and technology innovation corridors are shaping urban industry

China’s science and technology innovation corridors (STICs) are transforming urban industrial landscapes by fostering specialisation and diversification. This study investigates the dual impact of the most established STICs on urban industry by analysing data from 75 cities in China from 2006 to 2022. The findings demonstrate that STICs significantly enhance industrial diversification within corridors while simultaneously promoting industrial specialisation in neighbouring areas. This dual effect exhibits heterogeneity across temporal dynamics, industries and geographical distances, driving industrial transformation. The results highlight the importance of tailored innovative clusters to achieve balanced regional industrial development.