Work

The impact of health in all policies on urban innovation: a mediation analysis of human capital accumulation using panel data from 271 cities in China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: This study investigates the impact of Health in All Policies (HiAP) on urban innovation within the context of China. Building on migration theory, innovation ecosystem theory, and the country's institutional context, we identify human capital accumulation as a key mediating factor. Methods: Using a panel dataset of 271 cities from 2013 to 2021, we use the two-way fixed effects regressions, the Difference-in-Differences (DID) model, and the stepwise regression analysis method. Results: We find that HiAP significantly enhances urban innovation with the magnitude of its effect varying across city size, administrative level and geographic region. Furthermore, human capital accumulation mediates the relationship between HiAP and innovation outcomes. Discussion: These results underscore the importance of HiAP in promoting innovation through human capital development and offer practical policy implications for advancing sustainable urban development.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1663598

Authors: Jun Wang, Shuangyu Zhao, Yijun Liu

Institution: Renmin University of China

Language: English

Topic: Public Health Policies and Education

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801