Symbiotic Logic and Governance Strategy: A Case Study of Shanghai Zhangjiang Science and Technology New City Ecosystems

Abstract

The symbiosis and evolution of multiple entities are important factors driving the continuous innovation and effective increase of economic wealth and social value in the science and technology new cities (STNCs). However, the study of the symbiotic and evolutionary relationships in STNCs is very limited so far. In this work, we chose Shanghai Zhangjiang STNC to carry out a case study to deepen our understanding of the primary relationships between different types of innovation entities in an STNC. By assuming the inter-entity relationship of the innovation ecosystem as integrated symbiosis, we analyzed the logic of value creation in the integration development based on "relationship structure---symbiosis characteristics---interest balance---policy orientation." We explored the characteristics of the symbiosis relationship of the main entities in an STNC from the perspectives of complex adaptation, self-organization evolution, profit and loss coexistence, and synergy enhancement. We then put forward the targeted governance strategy of "system co-construction---responsibility sharing---resource sharing", to promote the benign operation of the innovation ecosystem and facilitate the coordinated development of entities. Our research results reveal the key logical details of the main body symbiosis in the process of innovation activities of an STNC and provide theoretical guidance for optimizing the governance practice of integrated development of the STNC.