Abstract
“Innovation driven” is the proper term for promoting regional sustainable development under the general goal of national high-quality development. University–industry collaboration (UIC) has become an important innovation resource for regional sustainable development. The study aims to analyze the influencing factors and mediating mechanisms of university–industry collaboration scientific and technological (S&T) and business activities oriented for regional sustainable development in 30 provinces in China (excluding Tibet). Specifically, we used the partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling method to test the effects of innovation climate and resource endowments on regional sustainable development through two mode pathways of university–industry collaboration activities. The results show that the innovation climate and resource endowments significantly affect UIC in scientific and technological innovation activities, and then affect the regional economic development and human capital. UIC S&T innovation activities play positive mediating roles in promoting regional sustainable development. In addition, the innovation climate does not significantly impact the business activities of UIC. Therefore, region can get a greater sustainable development through UIC S&T innovation activities than business activities. Much more UIC S&T activities can improve the economic development, human capital, and environmental conditions in the region.
Highlights
In the national innovation system, most of the innovative behaviors generated in the process of technological progress occur at the regional level, such as the Silicon Valley model in the United States, which greatly promotes regional economic growth [1]
To further analyze the impact of University–industry collaboration (UIC) scientific and technological (S&T) innovation activities on regional sustainable development, this study proposed the following hypothesis based on the literature as mentioned above: Hypothesis 1 (H1)
Due to the fact that schools and enterprises take take advantage of factors to carry out university–industry collaboration activities, there are policies and measures lagging behind the impact of regional sustainable development
Summary
In the national innovation system, most of the innovative behaviors generated in the process of technological progress occur at the regional level, such as the Silicon Valley model in the United States, which greatly promotes regional economic growth [1]. The roles of university in the regional development have attracted scholars’ attention. The function derivation makes the university, government, and industry boundaries merge [2]. The university has become an important source for innovation, and its relationship with regional economic development has become increasingly closer. As an engine of local economic growth and a participant in the regional innovation system, universities have become a tool generator for enterprise innovation optimization schemes [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
