Innovation potential of regional economy and its high-quality balanced development: China's experience

Abstract

This study employs the entropy weighting method, vector autoregression model, β-convergence model, and coupling coordination model to measure and evaluate the innovation potential (IP) and high-quality economic development (HQED) of 31 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2022, and to examine the driving and coordinating effects of IP on HQED. Results indicate that both IP and HQED have shown a steady upward trend nationwide, with the eastern region consistently outperforming the central and western regions. IP effectively promotes HQED and accelerates the convergence of HQED disparities among provinces, although the magnitude of this effect varies regionally. The impact of IP on HQED is strongest in the western region, moderate in the eastern region, and weakest in the central region. IP most effectively narrows HQED gaps in the eastern region, followed by the western and central regions. Based on these findings, the study proposes targeted measures to enhance IP, promote regional HQED, and strengthen their coordinated development.