Ziyuan Kexue (Mar 2024)
Combination path of regional innovation-ecology-economy coupling and coordinated development:Based on a dynamic qualitative comparative analysis
Abstract
[Objective] Enhancing the coupling coordination of regional innovation-ecology-economy stands as a crucial avenue for China to attain high-quality development. This study assessed the innovation-ecology-economy coupling coordination level under the new developmental stages. It examined the coupling coordination path that emerges through the interaction and amalgamation of the constituent elements intrinsic to the innovation-ecology-economy system, approached from a combinational standpoint. Furthermore, the study aimed to clarify the principal course that will shape the forthcoming advancement of the coupling coordination of these three systems. [Methods] Using a sample of 30 Chinese provinces with data spanning from 2011 to 2020, this study integrated the new development concept to develop an evaluation framework for the composite innovation-ecology-economy system. From an intra-system perspective, the research employed a dynamic qualitative comparative analysis to identify the combination paths within the composite system that engender high coupling coordination levels, alongside their dynamic patterns of evolution. [Results] (1) In the study period, individual components of the system were insufficient for achieving coupling coordination development. But the interplay and alignment of components generated four combination paths of high-level coupling coordination, which can be categorized as “innovation and application of energy conservation and emission reduction for development” and “innovation and cultivation of environmental protection governance efficiency enhancement”, with the characteristics of “all roads lead to Rome”. (2) The role of applied scientific and technological innovation, and industrial structure optimization and upgrading in promoting regional coupled and coordinated development had weakened from the 12th Five-Year Plan to the 13th Five-Year Plan period. Instead, the core driving factors shifted to basic innovation, economic development quality catch-up, and sharing of development results. [Conclusion] Considerable potential for enhancement remains within China’s regional innovation-ecology-economy system for coupled and coordinated development. To foster further improvement, a concerted effort is needed to bolster interplay among the system’s constituent elements, addressing the deficiencies and vulnerabilities within sub-systems. Emphasis should be placed on bolstering scientific and technological research and development, advancing quality-driven catch-up initiatives, and cultivating common prosperity.
Keywords
