Polycentricity and technological diversification: divergent pathways across Chinese urban regions
研究了多中心性如何塑造中国城市区域的技术多样化，发现区域内功能多中心性是主要驱动力，且发展异质性导致不同多样化路径，为制定因地制宜的创新政策提供依据。
This paper examines how polycentricity shapes technological diversification in Chinese urban regions. Beyond morphological and functional dimensions, we introduce knowledge polycentricity, reflecting the balance of innovation across technological domains. Using patent data (2006–20), diversification is measured via relative relatedness density and estimated through fixed-effects and instrumental variable models. Findings highlight intra-regional functional polycentricity as the main driver, while other dimensions mainly act through interactions. Developmental heterogeneity produces distinct diversification pathways. Results call for innovation policies tailored to polycentricity characteristics and diversification strategies.