Reasons for the heterogeneity of regional innovation policy on innovation output: considering the influence of policy sentiment

ABSTRACTTo foster innovation activities, regional innovation policy constitutes an indispensable instrument. However, the unbalanced growth model continues to exist. The lack of emphasis on policy effectiveness represents a key issue in this regard. This paper examines the causes of regional innovation heterogeneity, based on the degree of positive sentiment impact in policy documents. Analysing data from China’s four economic zones shows that policy sentiment exerts a dominant influence on innovation output. This article argues that government should adopt a positive emotion to encourage regional innovation achievements.KEYWORDS: Regional innovation policypolicy measurepolicy sentimentpolicy strengthJEL CLASSIFICATION: O11O38R58 Notes1 The reciprocal of the China Marketization Index’s ‘Relationship between Government and Market’ index determines the governmental intervention. It increases as the index rises. The average values were calculated, sorted, and the ones above them were chosen as the samples.Additional informationFundingSupported by the project of Beijing Municipal Social Science Foundation (Grant No. 20JJB005).