Analysis of Structural Dynamics and Progression of Technology Innovation Networks in China's Port and Shipping Industry
To understand the evolving collaborative innovation landscape in China's port and navigation technology,this study constructs weighted,undirected networks by utilizing a dataset encompassing award-winning projects in the field of port and navigation technology innovation spanning from 2007 to 2021.The quality weights assigned to the collaborative relationships between actors are derived from the categorization and tiering of the awards.Average degree,average weighted degree,network density,average path length,and clustering coefficient are applied to assess network structural attributes.A framework integrating weighted degree centrality and weighted betweenness centrality is developed to discern the overall development of network nodes,roles of different organizational types,and key nodes in the network.The study also unveils the temporal and spatial dynamics of collaborative interactions by examining the quantity,strength,and geographical distribution of partnerships.The findings indicate that China's port and navigation technology innovation networks demonstrate a pattern of growth in network scale,decline in network density,diversification in collaborative partnerships,and advancements in the caliber of cooperation.The port technology innovation network manifests small-world phenomena,whereas the navigation one is characterized by its hierarchical structure.Both networks have formed structures with power centers,but the actors exhibit limited capabilities in information control and bridging.Research institutions and universities are more likely to become power centers in both networks.Enterprises play a leading role in the port technology innovation network,while,public agencies and government departments wield more influence in the navigation technology innovation network.Central ministries affiliated or state-backed organizations occupy central positions in both networks.The distribution of partner numbers within both networks adheres to a power-law pattern.In a port technology innovation network,actors tend to form an"elite club"and interact between strong and weak partners,whereas actors in a navigation technology innovation network tend towards disassortative collaborations.In the realm of port technology innovation,intracity collaborations excel in quality,while navigation technology innovation network displays concurrent quality gains across intracity and intercity collaborations.
transportation economyevolutionnetwork analysistechnology innovationquality weightport and shipping industry