Evaluation and convergence analysis of science and technology innovation efficiency in China’s national central cities based on the super-efficiency SBM-ML model

Abstract

ABSTRACT Scientific and Technological Innovation (STI) is an important driving force for economic development and social progress. National central cities are the main connection points of China’s economic activity network and play a leading role in the national economic development of the country. In order to explore the efficiency of STI and the convergence characteristics of STI in China’s national central cities, this paper selects S&T innovation input-output indicators and constructs a system of indicators for high-quality economic development. It measures the STI innovation efficiency of China’s national central cities by combining with the super-efficiency SBM-ML model and then constructs a model to analyze its convergence situation. The results of the study show that: from 2011 to 2021, the STI efficiency of China’s national central cities has reached an effective level, and the overall trend has increased; the total factor productivity of STI in China’s national central cities has obvious differences, with Beijing having the highest total factor productivity, while Shanghai has the lowest; the STI innovation efficiency of China’s national central cities exhibits both absolute β-convergence and conditional β-convergence, but there is no significant α convergence, and regional differences are obvious.