Research on Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Innovation Efficiency in Chinese Universities-An Analysis Based on Sample Data of 31 Provinces

2011 similar to 2020 is a golden decade of innovation-driven development for China. During this period, scientific and technological innovation (STI) of Chinese universities has achieved historic development. To better capture its innovation trajectory and shed light on practical implications, this study uses DEA-BCC model and Malmquist index to calculate the STI efficiency of Chinese universities in 31 provinces and municipalities from 2011 to 2020. The findings illustrate that: 1) the barrier effect of pure technical efficiency is greater than that of scale efficiency; 2) although the STI efficiency of Chinese universities increased by 0.6% on average, the contribution rate of technological progress growth was high, and the scale efficiency showed negative growth; 3) in terms of regional distribution, DEA efficient provinces and cities are concentrated in northern China, while non DEA efficient provinces and cities are mostly concentrated in southern China. Based on the findings, countermeasures and suggestions are made to improve the STI efficiency for Chinese universities from the aspects of scientific innovation alliance, evaluation mechanism and innovation management ability. It provides a theoretical and practical reference for innovation-driven development of Chinese universities.