Unraveling spatial distribution and co-location patterns of strategic new technologies in the Yangtze River Delta: a spatial association mining approach

Strategic new technologies are central to regional economic transformation and innovation under the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Using patent data, this study examines the spatial distribution and collaborative patterns of nine categories of Strategic new technology in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) using spatial statistical analysis, co-location pattern mining, and county classification. Three findings emerge. Spatial agglomeration and structure: strategic new technology in the YRD exhibits significant spatial agglomeration and a polycentric, networked structure. Technological collaboration patterns: five recurring co-occurrence patterns are identified; collaboration is particularly pronounced for the new materials industry, high-end equipment manufacturing industry, and energy conservation and environmental protection industry. County classification: based on technology coverage and overall spatial association strength, counties are classified into four types—core technology zones, collaborative potential zones, isolated high-intensity zones, and technological island zones—showing a clear “core–periphery” hierarchy. These results clarify the spatial mechanisms of technological agglomeration and collaborative evolution within regional innovation ecosystems and inform the design of differentiated innovation policies and the allocation of regional innovation resources.