Coupling Coordination Analysis of Technological Innovation, Standards, and Quality: Evidence From China

Abstract

In the context of supply-side structural reform (SSSR), the central government pays more attention to high-quality economic growth. Technological innovation, standards, and quality (TSQ) are the core elements of the SSSR. Therefore, it is essential to understand the coupling relationship between TSQ subsystems and explore its economic growth effect. This study examines the coupling relationship between technological innovation, quality improvement variables, and standard settings for the listed companies in China during 2007–2016. This study assesses the coupling relationship and development difference among TSQ subsystems by developing a coupling coordination degree model. The findings show that the quality subsystem is the collaborative shortboard subsystem, and the standard subsystem plays a role in three subsystems. Moreover, ordered optimization in coupling coordination for each subsystem’s pair, TSQ subsystems achieve high-level internal coordination and resist coupling. However, the speed of the coupling among I–S–Q subsystems is less in any two subsystems. There is a positive link between the coupling coordination degree of TSQ subsystems and economic growth. Still, the effect of the coupling relationship of I–S–Q subsystems with economic growth is more significant. This study offers support for managers, policymakers, and government officials for better policies to optimize the supply structure, enhanced the manufacturing industry, and promote the economic growth of emerging economies.