Science Research Management

Science Research Management ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (1): 80-89.DOI: 10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.01.008

• 6561D43B-1C2 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research on the measurement of chain-masters′ key core technology innovation capability and its impact on the new quality productive forces

Wang Yuying1, Yuan Changhong2, Zhang Shuman3   

  1. 1.International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi′an 710062, Shaanxi, China; 
    2.School of Management, Xi′an Jiaotong University, Xi′an 710049, Shaanxi, China;
    3. School of Business Administration, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
  • Received:2024-11-11 Revised:2025-06-03 Accepted:2025-06-04 Online:2026-01-20 Published:2026-01-12

Abstract:   The industrial chain functions as the core carrier for the development of new quality productive forces, and chain-masters, as the micro-level entities in industrial chain governance, play a pivotal role in facilitating the development of new quality productive forces. Their key core technology innovation capability holds significant importance for the advancement of new quality productive forces. Integrating the qualitative and quantitative research methods, and based on an exploratory analysis of four case enterprises, this study identified the key dimensions of the chain-masters′ key core technology innovation capability. Then, using the data from 98 Chinese manufacturing enterprises from 2012 to 2020, it developed and validated a measurement index system comprising 5 dimensions and 17 detailed indicators. Finally, it further explored the influence mechanism of the chain-masters′ key core technology innovation capability on the development of regional new quality productive forces. The findings indicated that the chain-masters′ key core technology innovation capability represents a complex multi-dimensional construct of five distinct dimensions: sustained high-intensity innovation input capability, common demand-driven basic research capability, industrial innovation chain integration and development capability, industrial digital-intelligent upgrading capability and high-impact innovation output capability. Moreover, this capability exerts a positive influence on the enhancement of regional new quality productive forces, and the business environment ecosystem plays a positive moderating role in this relationship. This study has deeply explored the theoretical and practical research value of the chain-masters′ key core technology innovation capability, and attempted to unlock the mechanistic black box of regional new quality productive forces improvement from the micro-perspective of industrial chain governance, thereby offering guidance for practices aimed at cultivating the capabilities of chain-masters.

Key words:  chain-master, key core technology innovation capability, measurement index, new quality productive forces