AUTHOR=Zhou Jingfan , Liao Zefang , Zhou Minghua , Shao Changsheng , Mo Xianrui 

TITLE=Managing collaborative innovation in China’s marine industry: a multilayer network perspective

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1692004

DOI=10.3389/fmars.2025.1692004

ISSN=2296-7745

ABSTRACT=Fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem is a key strategic challenge for China’s marine industry, yet organizations and policymakers lack a clear understanding of what types of collaborative structures truly drive performance. This study moves beyond traditional single-layer analyses to construct a comprehensive multilayer network of inter-organizational collaboration, knowledge flows, and technological evolution, using patent data from 2000 to 2024. The research analyzes the structural characteristics and evolution trend of the multilayer network to reveal the longitudinal dynamics of the China’s marine industry’s collaborative innovation landscape. A negative binomial regression is used to examine the effect of network characteristics on organizational innovation performance. Findings reveal that while both broad and deep partnerships significantly boost innovation, this effect is mediated by knowledge diversity. The positive impact is contingent on the organizational knowledge assets. Organizations with unique knowledge gain more from broad, shallow ties, compared to deep and intensive collaborations. For highly knowledgeable organizations, occupying too many strategic network positions can lead to information overload and diminishing innovation performance. This research provides an evidence-based framework for managers to optimize their R&D collaboration strategies and for policymakers to design more effective innovation policies, ensuring a more robust and dynamic marine innovation ecosystem.