Creating a state strategic innovation space: the development of the Zhangjiang Science City in Shanghai

ABSTRACT The development of science parks has been studied extensively. Understanding these innovation spaces requires us to investigate the development context beyond local knowledge dynamics. This paper examines the Zhangjiang Science City in Shanghai, the first science city endorsed by the central government in China. We find three salient features. First, the Zhangjiang Science City represents China’s latest state innovation strategy to build Shanghai into a National Comprehensive Innovation Centre. Second, the science city is no longer a mono-functional park. It is integrated into Shanghai’s overall urban development. Third, the state’s role is visible, and state actors are involved in implementing this innovation strategy. This study reveals that the science city is a state strategic innovation space.