LAUSR

Abstract The rapid development of the global economy has caused severe environmental problems. Therefore, it is particularly important to focus on environmental protection and cleaner production as part of technological innovation. At present, China has not yet formed an efficient and systematic green innovation network, and thus, the efficiencies of regional clean production and green innovation still remain low. How to promote the development of a green innovation network has become an urgent issue in China. In this study, the SBM-DDF model, the gravity model, and the social network analysis model were used to analyze the spatial correlation network of China's green innovation. The results showed the existence of spatial effects in China's green innovation correlation network. The associated network is currently at a primary level of development, with a low network density and an annually increasing trend. In addition, China’s 30 provinces and cities were divided into four subgroups. The densities of each subgroup differed strongly and the distribution of innovation relationships was uneven. Moreover, regions with strong green technology innovation capabilities did not affect green innovation of other provinces or cities. Moreover, these regions obtained higher innovative linkage benefits from other provinces and cities. Furthermore, regions with medium innovation strength may play an important role within the green innovation linkage network. These results provide a new network perspective for the formulation of China's green innovation policy. This can help to explain the current development status of China's green innovation network and provides a theoretical basis for the government to formulate development directions and policies in the future.