A System Coupling Analysis on the Integration of Scientific and Technological Innovation with Industrial Innovation for Sustainable Regional Development in China

The integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation has emerged as a pivotal driver of sustainable economic growth. Utilizing the theory of system coupling, this study conceptualizes the integration process as complex and dynamic. It explores the interaction mechanisms between these innovations and establishes a systematic coupling evaluation index system. Additionally, methods such as the coupling coordination model and grey relational analysis are employed to quantitatively assess the integration levels across China and its 30 provincial regions from 2012 to 2022 in this study. Key factors influencing the enhancement of this integration are also identified. The findings indicate that, from 2012 to 2022, the coupling relationship between these two innovation systems has attained an advanced coupling state; however, the degree of coupling coordination remains at a primary level. Regionally, the coupling coordination degree exhibits features of unbalanced development: the eastern region reaches the highest level, albeit still at a barely coordinated stage, followed by the central region, which surpasses the northeastern region, while the western region exhibits the lowest degree. At the provincial level, notable discrepancies exist in the coupling coordination between these two innovation systems. Grey relational analysis reveals that scientific and technological input, along with industry–university–research collaboration, play particularly critical roles in enhancing the degree of integration.