This study evaluates regional innovation efficiency in China under the digital economy using a nested parallel dynamic two-stage data envelopment analysis model. The model captures heterogeneous innovation actors, cross-stage linkages and intertemporal carry-over effects. Results for 30 Chinese regions from 2011 to 2020 show clear regional disparities. Efficiency generally follows a descending pattern from eastern to central, western and northeastern China. The central region performs relatively well in research and development (R&D), while western regions lag in commercialisation. The findings highlight the importance of digitalisation in improving innovation performance and provide implications for regional innovation policy.
Lou et al. (Fri,) studied this question.