The impact of collaborative innovation on ecological efficiency – empirical research based on China’s regions

This study measures the ecological efficiency of various regions in China through the Global-Malmquist model. The results show a trend of an initial sharp decline in ecological efficiency followed by a gradual increase temporally, but there is no significant correlation spatially. Using the gravity model to quantify the attractiveness of the regions' capital and human resources for collaborative innovation, we estimate the impact of collaborative innovation on eco-efficiency through the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) model. The results show that technological innovation capital in other regions has a negative 'U' relationship with local ecological efficiency, while scientific and technological innovation human resources have a positive 'U' relationship. Based on these findings, this study puts forward policy recommendations for local governments to advance their development agendas alongside their environmental priorities in line with their specific circumstances.