Li, Q., Du, D. & Yu, Y. Scaling and network evolution of technology transfer in US cities. Nat Cities

Objective:

• Explore the network evolution of technology transfer from three angles: nationwide space-filling, hierarchical structuring reflecting intercity relationships and intracity network polycentricity, linking these to the growth of urban scaling laws

Case:

• US cities

Methodology:

• Scaling law and residuals
• Block modelling (network): Cluster and dissimilarity analysis
• Ht index
• Polycentric index

Data Source

• Population
• Patents

Findings:

• Both local and non-local technology transfers have experienced periodic rapid growth and intracity transfers are far more concfentrated than intercity transfers are

• The geographic network of technology transfer strongly alighns with the city clusters of the US

• Superlinear urban scaling law likely arises from the structure of urban networks

• The hierarchical evolution of cities involves both path dependence and path creation

Coding Reference:

• Python