Mechanism and Heterogeneity of Ports in Promoting Regional Technological Innovation: Evidence from 34 Seaport Cities in China

Amid the rapid reconfiguration of global supply chains, the strategic importance of ports has transcended traditional boundaries. Focusing on 34 seaport cities in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan of China), this study utilizes spatial analysis tools to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of port development and regional technological innovation. Furthermore, based on panel data from 2008 to 2022, we construct econometric models to systematically evaluate the impact of port development on regional technological innovation and to uncover its underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that: 1) both port development and regional technological innovation levels have experienced overall growth. High-value zones are primarily concentrated in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), Pearl River Delta (PRD), and Bohai Rim regions, exhibiting a distinct ‘port-driven’ innovation pattern. 2) The spatial centroid of port development has shifted northward, whereas that of technological innovation has moved southwestward; nonetheless, their spatial relationship maintains a statistically significant (P < 0.05), albeit fluctuating, positive correlation. 3) Overall, port development significantly fosters regional technological innovation, an effect primarily mediated by strengthening economic and trade, and enhancing the degree of external openness. 4) Heterogeneity analysis reveals that this positive impact decreases sequentially across the PRD, YRD, and Bohai Rim port clusters, while remaining statistically insignificant in the Southwest and Southeast Coasts. Additionally, this promoting effect is amplified in regions with stronger knowledge bases or higher port capacities. This research provides robust empirical evidence for optimizing regional innovation policies and refining port development strategies.