Urban Technology Transfer, Spatial Spillover Effects, and Carbon Emissions in China

Technology transfer is essential for addressing technological disparities in urban areas and reducing carbon emissions. This study analyzes inter-city technology patent transfers and carbon emission data from China (2010–2019) using a spatial Durbin model to assess the effects of technology inflow and outflow on carbon emissions and their spatial spillover effects. Key findings include the following: ① a significant spatial correlation exists between technology inflow, outflow, and carbon emissions, with notable spillover effects; ② both technology inflow and outflow reduce intra-regional carbon emissions, but only outflow significantly reduces inter-regional emissions; ③ regional differences are evident, with the eastern and central regions showing significant reductions due to technology transfers, while the western and northeastern regions do not. In the northeastern region, technology transfer significantly aids neighboring cities in reducing emissions. However, the central region lacks spillover effects from outflow, and technology inflow and outflow in the western region hinder reductions. This paper provides policy recommendations to improve urban technology transfer and carbon emissions mitigation.