Connected knowledge spillovers, technological cluster innovation and efficient industrial structure

In the context of China's knowledge economy, cluster-based technological innovation can promote the communication of knowledge among industries, advancing the industrial structure. This study constructs the Ricardian model with the differences in productivity between different sectors to explore the mechanism of connected knowledge spillovers of technological cluster innovation driving efficient industrial structure, applying a spatial Durbin model to Chinese provincial panel data from 2003 to 2017 to analyze spatial effects. The results demonstrate a significant positive correlation between regional efficient industrial structure and technological cluster innovation under connected knowledge spillovers. These effects increase sequentially from the perspectives of the technology introduction, technology upgrade and independent innovation. Moreover, technological cluster innovation exhibits a significant backwash effect, negatively influencing the efficient industrial structure of neighboring areas. Finally, the study discusses some policy recommendations on optimizing the regional technological innovation environment.