Do Technology Transfer Networks Impact Urban Innovation Capacity? Evidence From Chinese Cities

As the flow of innovation elements breaks through geographical boundaries, patent transfer has become an important way for cities to enhance their competitive advantages. This study crawls technology transfer data through Big Data mining and uses social network analysis to construct an intercity technology transfer network among 286 Chinese cites at the prefecture-level and above, between 2000–2020. The study explores the influence of technology transfer networks on urban innovation capacity. The results indicate that: (1) Embeddedness of cities in technology transfer networks is conducive to cities acquiring more information and resources through external interactions, thereby promoting urban innovation capability. (2) External knowledge acquisition and knowledge absorption capacity positively moderate the effect of technology transfer networks on urban innovation capacity. (3) A significant spatial correlation exists between technology transfer and innovation activities, and technology transfer networks promote innovation in cities with similar spatial characteristics through spatial knowledge spillover effects.