The higher education institutions’ system (HEIs) in China plays an important role in advancing critical technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), smart transportation, biotechnology and aerospace engineering. Over the past decades, China has invested profoundly in creating, consolidating and expanding networks of universities and research centers geared toward boosting advances in science and facilitating their utilization, e.g. through new technologies and products. Viewed in this way, these networks play a role in building China’s global influence in technology and innovation. The universities and research networks contribute to China's growing influence on the global stage of science, technology and engineering. Arguably, in line with the premises of the open innovation argument, both internal and external talent and knowledge sourcing are crucial in this respect. The objective of this paper is to map the key HEIs and research centers in China and to identify mechanisms by means of which synergies are built. The findings suggest that coastal megacities host the avantgarde innovation establishments, and thus serve as hubs where technological advancements are born. In stark contrast, central and western regions of China, alongside economically less-developed provinces, face obstacles that impede the development of their research and innovation potential. Furthermore, the Chinese higher education system is populated by a number of quasi-formal associations. Frequently operating under the auspices of central government agencies, e.g. C9 League or Double First-class Universities, these entities play a role in creating strategies and transformative projects, providing platforms for knowledge exchange and coordination among stakeholders, including the business sector and local/regional authorities.