How does digital infrastructure promote regional innovation

Digital infrastructure is the main carrier supporting digital technology innovation and an important engine driving regional economy development. Based on panel data from 287 prefecture level cities from 2012 to 2023, this study empirically explores the impact and mechanism of digital infrastructure on regional innovation. This study finds that digital infrastructure can significantly enhance the level of regional innovation, and this conclusion is supported by robustness and endogeneity tests. The promotion of regional innovation through digital infrastructure is mainly achieved by enhancing regional innovation output such as enterprise invention patents and revenue. Further research shows that the empowering effect of digital infrastructure is more pronounced in the central and northeastern regions. This conclusion provides theoretical and practical insights for cities to accelerate the construction of digital infrastructure and promote regional innovation for regional economic development.