High-speed rail, market segmentation, and the rise of green technology innovation cities: Evidence from China

This study examines the impact of China's high-speed rail (HSR) on green technological innovation (GTI). Empirical analysis shows that HSR development significantly increases the quantity and quality of GTI by 10.5 % and 28.1 %, respectively, highlighting its positive effect on urban innovation. The impact is more pronounced in cities outside major urban clusters and those with limited higher education resources. Market segmentation mediates, while environmental regulation moderates, the HSR-GTI relationship. Moreover, HSR exhibits positive spatial spillover effects on GTI in surrounding regions under geographical spatial weight matrices, with quality improvement surpassing quantity growth. These findings underscore the critical role of HSR in advancing sustainable urban innovation and regional green development.