The configuration and mechanism of peripheral innovation in China: Empirical analysis from the high-end equipment manufacturing industry

Trans-local linkages are central mechanism for peripheral regions to sustain innovation systems, but their spatial configuration and mechanisms remain underexplored. This paper proposes four hypotheses based on the tri-polar framework integrating actor, network, and contextual dimensions, and tests them using co-invention patents from China's high-end equipment manufacturing industry covering 1985-2021. Employing Exponential Random Graph Models, the analysis reveals several key findings: (1) state-owned enterprises and large firms dominate peripheral innovation; (2) the spatial configuration of peripheral innovation is relatively stable; and (3) peripheral cities prioritize cross-hierarchy cooperation, resulting in open network configurations rather than locally closed structures. Overall, peripheral innovation in China is predominantly firm-led, cross-boundary, and selectively oriented toward higher-tier partners. By placing firms at the center of analysis and identifying differentiated types of peripheral cities, this study advances understanding of peripheral regional innovation systems in emerging economies. The findings contribute to the applied geography literature by providing spatially explicit evidence that informs place-based innovation and regional development policy. • Using co-invention patent data from China's high-end equipment manufacturing industry (1985–2021), this study examines the spatial configuration of innovation collaboration in peripheral regions from firm, network, and contextual perspectives. • Innovation activities in peripheral regions are predominantly led by state-owned enterprises and large firms, relying more on cross-regional and cross-hierarchical linkages than on localized clustering. • Peripheral innovation networks display strong relational stability but limited local closure, resulting in open and hierarchically oriented spatial network structures.