Asymmetry in the distribution of benefits of cross-border regional innovation systems: the case of the Hong Kong–Shenzhen innovation system

Cross-border regional innovation systems (CBRIS) have emerged as a key concept in innovation studies, but there have been few successful CBRIS in practice. In this paper we focus on asymmetry in the distribution of benefits as a potential barrier for the development of CBRIS based on an in-depth analysis of collaborative activities in the development of Hong Kong–Shenzhen innovation system. Our analysis reveals that Shenzhen companies are more active than their Hong Kong counterparts in driving the cross-border linkages, are better at leveraging cross-border university resources and have more success in attracting cross-border financial capital.