The Role of Urban Digital Intelligence in Fostering Sustainable Collaborative Innovation: An Analysis of Spillover Effects

Urban digital intelligence transformation (DIT) has emerged as a key driver of sustainable development in the era of rapid technological advancement. This study utilized the spatial Durbin model with difference-in-differences (SDM-DID) to explore the intrinsic relationship between DIT and intercity collaborative innovation. The findings indicate that DIT significantly enhances collaborative innovation locally and in other cities. DIT accelerates the movement of R&D talent, capital, and knowledge while driving collaborative innovation across local and neighboring cities by enhancing market potential. Collaborations between enterprises and universities exhibit stronger direct and indirect positive effects, collectively driving the development of sustainable intercity collaborative innovation. Additionally, the study finds that the impact of DIT on substantial innovation is greater than that of non-substantial innovation. Furthermore, the digital transformation of large and central cities has a stronger promotional effect on both local and neighbor collaborative innovation, fostering the sustainable development of intercity innovation cooperation. These results deepen our understanding of the relationship between DIT and intercity collaborative innovation and provide policy insights for enhancing intercity collaboration and promoting regional sustainable development.