How Does the Green Innovation Ecosystem Shape Regional Sustainable Development?
Abstract
While green innovation ecosystems (GIEs) are recognized as catalysts for regional sustainable development (RSD), prior literature remains fragmented. This study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on data from 30 Chinese provinces to explore how GIE elements interactively shape RSD, measured as green total-factor productivity (GTFP). Findings reveal that no single GIE element is necessary for RSD; instead, two pathways lead to high-level RSD: a technology–capital dual-core-driven pathway of ecological synergy, and a technology-dominated pathway under green finance constraints. Conversely, non-high-level RSD stems from the simultaneous absence of multiple GIE elements. This study shifts the lens from univariate determinism to ecosystem configurability, offering policy implications for regional sustainability transitions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Qualitative Comparative Analysis Research
Energy
Environment
Economic Growth
University-Industry-Government Innovation Models
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Global Information Management
- Publisher
- IGI Global Scientific Publishing
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 1–19
- Publication date
- 8 May 2026
- Language
- NG