Interprovincial green technology transfer and the role of environmental regulation: evidence from China

Purpose This study aims to explore the structure and dynamics of China’s inter-provincial green technology transfer network, examining how different types of environmental regulation impact the network’s formation and persistence. The focus is on understanding how green technology transfer enhances provincial green innovation capabilities and how provinces contribute variably to the network. Design/methodology/approach Through channels such as green technology transfer, provinces can share their technological innovation resources and thus enhance their green innovation capabilities. This study constructs China’s inter-provincial green technology transfer network. Findings The results indicate that green technology transfer has taken place in most provinces. Over time, network edges, density and cluster coefficient have shown an increasing trend, indicating green technology transfer is on the rise. There are significant asymmetries and biases in the spatial distribution of the degree of inter-provincial green technology transfer networks. The network is structured as a core-edge structure and provinces play a heterogeneous role in green technology transfer. There are close technological ties between core provinces, while many provinces play a marginal role. Different types of environmental regulation have heterogeneous effects on network formation and persistence. Originality/value It offers valuable insights into the heterogeneous roles that provinces play within the network and highlights the importance of regulatory interactions in promoting the evolution of green technology transfer across regions.