Intra-regional innovation disparity and transformation of urban functions in regional synergy development : evidence from Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

Abstract

High-quality development is a critical strategic goal for China, with innovation serving as a primary driving force. Regional synergy development is considered a crucial policy for enhancing innovation capabilities of cities. Currently, China has established three synergetic regions: the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta region, and the Pearl River Delta region. Among these regions, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region exhibits a widening intra-regional innovation disparity during regional synergy development. This study questions the argument that regional synergy development can reduce intra-regional innovation disparities, and focuses on exploring the factors contributing to increased innovation disparities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The study reveals an important characteristic of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region’s regional synergy development. It is that the shift of non-capital functions from Beijing to Tianjin and Hebei transforms these two cities into “supporting cities.” During this transformation of urban functions, Tianjin and Hebei have absorbed factors unfavorable to innovation from Beijing, which potentially increases the intra-regional innovation disparity in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. However, existing literature rarely considers the potential negative effects of urban functional transformation. Moreover, few studies empirically connect regional synergy development with intra-regional innovation disparities. Based on data from Statistical Yearbooks of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, nighttime light data, and China’s urban innovation index, this study reveals the impact of transformation of urban functions on intra-regional innovation disparities within the context of regional synergy development, which contributes to the research gaps. The empirical analysis indicates that (1) urban functional transformation toward “supporting cities” in regional collaborative innovation increases innovation disparities among cities within the region, (2) participation in regional synergy development enhances a city’s overall innovation capacity, (3) there is no evidence that regional synergy development can reduce intra-regional innovation disparities. This study also discusses the challenges faced by Tianjin and Hebei in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region during regional synergy development. It concludes that narrowing intra-regional innovation disparities in this region is not a short-term endeavor, and emphasizes that policymakers should formulate long-term innovation policies for Tianjin and Hebei. This research contributes valuable insights for China’s synergy development policies and urban innovation strategies.