Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Mechanism Analysis of China’s Regional Innovation Efficiency

Zhen Xu, Xiang Zhu, Guoen Wei and Xiao Ouyang
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Zhen Xu: School of Geographic Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
Xiang Zhu: School of Geographic Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
Guoen Wei: College of Geography and Ocean Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
Xiao Ouyang: Hunan Institute of Economic Geography, Hunan University of Finance and Economics, Changsha 410205, China

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 19, 1-12

Abstract: Improving regional innovation efficiency is the key to developing an innovative country. Exploring the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of regional innovation efficiency is crucial in the formulation of regional policies and the choice of innovation models. This study used the superdata envelopment analysis method with undesirable outputs in evaluating the innovation efficiency of Chinese provinces. To assess the spatial spillover effects of innovation factors, the spatial autocorrelation and spatial Durbin model were adopted to characterize the spatio-temporal evolution, spatial correlation, and mechanisms of innovation efficiency. The highlights of the results are as follows: (1) The time-series changes in innovation efficiency showed a general trend from declining to increasing. (2) There were pronounced regional differences in innovation efficiency. The innovation efficiencies at the provincial level evolved from being decentralized to concentrated. The innovation efficiency was relatively stable in the eastern region and increased significantly in the central and western regions. The east–center–west evolution pattern gradually weakened. (3) The innovative efficiency exhibited spatial dependence, and the spatial agglomeration continued to increase. The extent of hot spots expanded, while cold spots shrunk slightly. (4) The scientific research environment, entrepreneurial environment, labor quality, and market environment were the essential elements that improved innovation efficiency. The impact of the different factors on innovation efficiency at different periods exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity.

Keywords: innovation efficiency; spatio-temporal evolution; effect mechanism; spatial heterogeneity; bootstrapped DEA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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