Research on Technology Innovation Cooperation Network in the Middle Reaches of Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration from the Perspective of Gradient Theory

[Purpose/Significance] Gradient theory reveals the causes and evolutionary trends of the uneven development of networks. As one of the most promising urban agglomerations in China, the middle reaches of Yangtze River urban agglomeration is the most representative national central urban agglomeration, which plays a key role in supporting the construction of central rising strategy. Therefore, it has become an important proposition of increasing concern for researchers and policy makers in the management field to study the technology innovation cooperation network in the middle reaches of Yangtze River urban agglomeration, in order to strengthen the innovation cooperation among cities and accelerate the construction of innovative cities and coordinated regional development. [Method/Process] Based on the perspective of gradient theory, this paper explores the structure and evolution of technology innovation cooperation networks in the middle reaches of Yangtze River urban agglomeration at the level of internal d