Research on the Measurement of the Technical Innovative Capabilities of Oil and Gas Industry Clusters and Their Factors of Influence: Empirical Analysis Based on Eight Provinces in China

Existing studies have suggested that rich mineral resources may serve as a “resource curse” as well as a “resource blessing” with respect to regional economic development. However, the reason behind the emergence of this paradox is not clear. In this paper, we carried out an investigation of the sustainable development of oil and gas industry clusters in eight provinces of China. We studied the panel data of these industry clusters and performed quantitative analysis. By considering the effects of the technical innovation ability of the cluster on its long-term development, we showed that increasing the technical innovation ability of the cluster promoted the development of the industry, which led to a “resource blessing” situation. On the other hand, a mineral resource-based industry cluster may not survive long without technological innovation. Increasing investments in scientific research and technology development and reducing the reckless expansion of the industry cluster may lower the possibility of the occurrence of a “resource curse”.