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Regional Science & Technology and Innovation

Multi-paths to Improve the Sci-tech Creational and Original In⁃ novation Capability of Provincial Level: An Experimental Gover⁃ nance Perspective 

Yang Kun, Yin Tao, Wang Bei 

(School of Management, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China)

Abstract: Investigating the alignment between provincial science and technology governance  and Creational and Original Innovation Capability is of paramount significance for leveraging the  advantages of the new nationwide system and executing the national innovation-driven develop⁃ ment strategy. Firstly, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the connotation and character⁃ istics of Creational and Original Innovation. Utilizing data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2013 to 2022, the Entropy Weight-TOPSIS method is employed to measure provincial development  trends. Secondly, grounded in experimental governance theory and provincial S&T practices, a  three-dimensional experimental governance niche framework encompassing knowledge, environ⁃ ment, and resources is developed through policy text analysis. This framework identifies multiple  governance niches influencing provincial Creational and Original Innovation Capability. Fuzzyset Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) is then applied to investigate the synergistic ef⁃ fects of these multiple governance niches on enhancing provincial Creational and Original Inno⁃ vation Capability, "Creational Capability", and "Original Capability". The results indicate that: ①None of the six governance niches across the three dimensions constitutes a necessary condi⁃ tion alone for high provincial Creational and Original Innovation Capability, high "Original Capa⁃ bility", or high "Creational Capability". Four compatible schemes for enhancing provincial Cre⁃ ational and Original Innovation Capability are identified. ②The configurations leading to high  versus non-high Creational and Original Innovation Capability exhibit causal asymmetry, dem⁃ onstrating "equifinality". Governance vacancies in the resource layer and legitimacy aspects are  significant contributors to non-high capability. ③The configuration paths leading to high "Origi⁃ nal Capability" show considerable similarity to those for high Creational and Original Innovation  Capability. Paths leading to high "Creational Capability" demand broader dimensional require⁃ ments. ④Carrier infrastructure development appears in multiple high-capability configurations, playing a pivotal role in enhancing provincial Creational and Original Innovation Capability, "Original Capability", and "Creational Capability". These findings provide a theoretical refer⁃ ence for accurately assessing the developmental status of provincial Creational and Original In⁃ novation Capability, selecting context-sensitive governance niche combinations, and fostering  differentiated provincial innovation ecosystems. Based on these conclusions, the paper proposes  recommendations across three aspects. 

Key words: sci-tech creational and original innovation capability; national innovation-driven  strategy; experimental governance; governance niches; fsQCA