Identification and Characterization of a Regional Technological Innovation Pattern: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Technological innovation patterns are fundamental to understanding regional and industrial innovation trajectories. This study proposes a two-dimensional conceptual framework integrating technology sources and attributes to classify regional innovation patterns. Taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt as a case, we examine the characteristics and territorial correlations of these patterns. Results show that the endogenous-generic pattern is concentrated in developed cities, driven by government investment and human capital toward frontier breakthroughs. The endogenous-specialized pattern emerges in subcentral cities, characterized by independent innovation in specific domains. The exogenous-generic pattern suits developing regions pursuing catch-up through technology introduction and local adaptation. The exogenous-specialized pattern prevails in less developed areas, where specialized applications are built on existing industrial bases via external resource integration. These differentiated pathways reflect variations in factor endowments and socioeconomic conditions, with key determinants including government involvement, financial support, human capital, transportation infrastructure, and industrial structure shaping pattern selection. This study extends existing innovation pattern classifications, deepens geographic understanding of regional innovation disparities, and offers an integrated analytical framework for place-based strategies across different territorial contexts.