Configurational paths to regional innovation performance: the interplay of innovation elements based on a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper explores the effect of regional innovation elements on innovation performance from the perspective of configurations. Based on the theory of innovation value chain, this paper divides the innovation process into two stages – technology development and technology commercialisation and proposes the realisation process model of regional innovation performance. Using the statistical data of province-level innovation systems in China, this study adopts a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to explore which combination of innovation elements can achieve high regional innovation performance and determines the difference between the stage of technology development and technology commercialisation. Results of the study can help regional policymakers to determine the most appropriate path to achieve high innovation performance according to the existing innovation elements in the regions.