Technological Innovation, Urban Spatial Structure, and Haze Pollution: Empirical Evidence from the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration

Abstract

The rapid economic growth of China has caused significant adverse effects on the environment. Meanwhile, technological innovation, a fundamental driver of economic development and social progress, plays a pivotal role in mitigating haze pollution. This study comprehensively examines the influence of technological innovation on haze pollution in the Yangtze River urban agglomeration, using the STIRPAT model and analyzing research data from 2004 to 2020. Additionally, the study investigates the specific moderating role of urban spatial structure in the relationship between technological innovation and haze pollution. The findings reveal that technological innovation in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River urban agglomeration can effectively curtail haze pollution, and its impact extends to surrounding areas through spillover effect. The polycentric urban spatial structure significantly enhances the haze-reducing effect of technological innovation in the region. Notably, in cities with a strong level of environmental regulation, the urban spatial structure plays a substantial role in augmenting the haze-reducing impact of technological innovation. The policy implications of this research underscore the importance of continuous improvement in technological innovation within the middle reaches of the Yangtze River urban agglomeration. To address haze pollution in future development, the adoption of a polycentric development strategy and the establishment of sound environmental governance policies are recommended.