Technology intermediaries and regional innovation performance: an empirical study in China

In this study, we examine the innovation effects of technology intermediaries on different types of innovation and the roles they play in different sectors at a regional level. Using a panel of data for 31 Chinese provinces during the period 2003-2011, we empirically test the relationship between numbers of technology intermediaries and regional innovation performance. The results show that technology intermediaries make positive contributions to regional product-related innovation and have more positive effects on innovation performance in high-tech industries, improving both knowledge-related innovation and product-related innovation in high-tech sectors. These findings could extend our understanding on the innovation effects of intermediary institutions at the regional level. The research also suggests clearer and more specific goals for policies favourable to intermediary institutions.