Valuing the spatial structure and influencing factors of urban innovation from the perspective of social networks

Valuing the spatial structural characteristics and evolution mechanisms of urban innovation networks (UIN) is crucial for promoting regional innovation development. This study constructs the UIN for the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) and examines its spatial structural characteristics and driving factors from a social network perspective. The results indicate that: First, the network relationships within the urban innovation ecosystem in YREB continue to expand, enhancing stability, synergy and connectivity. Second, interaction relationships dominate the network, establishing distinct block functions, with provincial capitals serving as core nodes. Third, YREB can be divided into four blocks: the main inflow block, the main outflow block, the bidirectional spider block and the agent block, each exhibiting unique roles within the network. Fourth, increasing network density and connectedness while reducing hierarchy and enhancing efficiency positively impacts urban innovation. Strengthening node centrality characteristics is beneficial for promoting urban innovation. Lastly, proximity is conducive to the formation of UIN. Digital technology and traffic integration are replacing geographical and institutional factors, becoming key elements in the formation of UIN. Therefore, we propose optimising the spatial structure of UIN and shifting the driving paradigm from geographic and institution proximity to the digital technology and traffic proximity.