Knowledge polycentricity and the evolving Yangtze River Delta megalopolis

Abstract

Knowledge polycentricity and the evolving Yangtze River Delta megalopolis. Regional Studies. Inspired by the two defining but often overlooked features of megalopolises as ‘hinges’ and ‘incubators’, this paper presents a multi-scalar and dynamic analysis of the knowledge polycentricity of China’s Yangtze River Delta Region. Using data on publications and co-publications from 2000 to 2014, the results show that the structures of knowledge production and knowledge collaboration within and beyond the region have, to differing degrees, become more polycentric. Whereas the region has acted as an ‘incubator’ of knowledge at the megalopolitan scale, its ‘hinge’ role in knowledge collaboration has been mainly played at the national scale.