Abstract:Based on the construction of evaluation indicators and application of entropy-TOPSIS method, this paper measures the marine S T innovation capability of 36 sea-related cities in China and further analyzes their spatial distribution. The result shows that the innovation capacity of marine cities presents a "pyramid" structure. Cities with strong innovation capability are mainly scattered in three marine economic zones, that is, Bohai Rim, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta, while other cities are almost with low innovation capability. In terms of spatial characteristics, the result shows strong heterogeneity and the diffusion effect of central cities is not significant. Therefore, national top-level design should be strengthened to realize complementary advantages, information sharing and collaborative innovation among maritime institutions. In addition, in order to promote the integration of innovative resources and technological progress, marine industrial cluster and technology diffusion should be advanced as well.