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The New Quality Productive Force, Science and Technology Innovation, and Optimization of Industrial Structure

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  • Debao Dai

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Yu Zheng

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

Abstract

With the rapid development of information and communication technology, the new quality productive force has gradually become one of the key factors to promote scientific and technological innovation and promote the transformation and upgrading of industrial structure. Based on the essential connotation and three key characteristics of the new quality productive force, this study constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system and measures the development level of the new quality productive force by the entropy method, while the industrial structure advancement coefficient is employed to assess provincial industrial upgrading. This study examines the relationship and transmission mechanisms between the new quality productive force (NQPF), scientific and technological innovation (STI), and industrial structure optimization (ISO) using China’s provincial data (2012–2022) from the National Bureau of Statistics of China through the stepwise regression method. Based on a balanced panel of 330 province-year observations, the results show that NQPF significantly enhances STI, with stronger effects in regions with higher NQPF development. However, regional heterogeneity exists, with the eastern and central regions benefitting more than the western region. Additionally, mediation tests reveal that the NQPF fosters STI, thereby driving industrial upgrading. These findings highlight NQPF’s role in regional innovation and structural transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Debao Dai & Yu Zheng, 2025. "The New Quality Productive Force, Science and Technology Innovation, and Optimization of Industrial Structure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4439-:d:1655121
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    Cited by:

    1. Tingting Sun & Muhammad Asraf bin Abdullah, 2025. "Technological Innovation and Industrial Upgrading in China’s Automotive Industry: The Dual Mechanisms of Global Value Chain Mediation and Industrial Agglomeration Moderation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-39, October.
    2. Zhiqiang Liu & Hui Zhang & Caiyun Guo & Yicong Yang, 2025. "New Quality Productive Forces Enabling High-Quality Development: Mechanism, Measurement, and Empirical Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-28, September.
    3. Min Zhao & Yu Zheng & Debao Dai, 2025. "Research on the Impact of the New Quality Productive Force on Regional Economic Disparities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-22, September.

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