Environmental Regulation, Environmental Knowledge Spillover, and Regional Economic Growth in China: An Empirical Test Based on the Spatial Durbin Model

Considering the evolution of spatial pattern regional economic growth in China, this paper analyzes whether environmental regulation (ER) and knowledge spillover (EKS) contribute to using panel data Durbin model China’s 31 provinces cities from 2005 2020. The findings indicate that (1) there are significant characteristics agglomeration distribution different according Moran’s index; (2) has a nonlinear “U”-shaped effect on growth, which is first suppressed then promoted, presents same “U” shape as local effect; (3) spillover, measured by number green patents, shows positive contribution significantly active terms both inter-regional spillover; (4) Eastern China enjoys larger ER dividend than central western regions, EKS eastern, central, regions; (5) other factors also influence besides core explanatory variables, including research development expenditure (RD), human capital (Edu), urbanization level (Urb), government intervention (Gov), opening-up (Open), all show whereas science technology (Ti) not played role promoting growth.