Evaluation of technological innovation capability in the pharmaceutical industry in the eastern China

Objectives: The capability of technological innovation in the pharmaceutical industry in 11 provinces and cities of the eastern China was comprehensively evaluated in terms of innovation input as well as output capacity. From an advantage analysis of the provinces that hold strong innovation capability,we provide strategies and suggestions for the improvement of the capability in other provinces. Methods: Based on the relevant statistics from pharmaceutical sectors in 11 provinces and cities of the eastern China in 2012,weighted rank-sum ratio was employed to rate the capability of technological innovation in these areas,respectively,and hierarchical clustering was used for a comprehensive assessment. Results: The innovation capability in Jiangsu and Shandong was high and their innovative performance was distinctly higher than other provinces and cities. Conclusion: Other provinces and cities can develop collaborative innovation by a rational distribution of the pharmaceutical industry, strengthen their financial support and incentive,make preferential policies for innovation as well as accelerate the construction of public technology platform so as to improve their capability of technological innovation.