Structural and agentic powers in university-based regional innovation across Chinese core and non-core cities

This study investigates the interplay of structural and agentic power in shaping university-based National Research and Development Institutes (NRDIs) across six Chinese cities. It identifies three dynamics between structural and agentic powers – strong-strong reinforcement, weak-weak constraints and misaligned relations – and examines their impact on innovation governance. Findings highlight how local governments and universities collaborate under varying institutional and spatial conditions. The study offers theoretical insights into structure-agency interactions and policy recommendations for improving regional coordination and innovation capacity. It underscores the potential of university-based NRDIs as tools for decentralised, place-based innovation, particularly in addressing regional disparities in China.