Innovation is the eternal theme of economic development of a country and a region，a city is a national and regional innovation machine and laboratory，transportation hub also provides basic conditions for the convergence of innovative resources. Therefore，the improvement of the innovation ability of regional central city based on the development of the transportation hub economy is of great significance to promote the high-quality sustainable development of Shangqiu economy. This paper analyzes the economic status，innovation ability and economic development status of Shangqiu City in Huaihai Economic Zone，points out the status of Shangqiu City as a regional central city in Huaihai Economic Zone，and puts forward policy suggestions for the improvement of innovation ability.