Measurements and evaluation of regional innovation capacity and spatial difference

This study aims to improve measurement of regional innovation capacity and assess regional innovation capacity of 31 provinces and cities in China. Use of factor analysis provided an empirical validation of measurement of 33 indicators of regional innovation capacity. Three factors were extracted and named as innovation input, innovation out and innovation environment. The result was a set of measurements index that could be used to assess resources and performance of regional innovation capacity on key dimensions, which could result in more efficient and more effective public policy set by government. In the end, innovative capacity of 31 provinces and cities in China were evaluated and compared, we found there were the significant spatial difference among them.