How does industrial intelligence affect regional innovation efficiency? Evidence from panel data of China’s provinces

Innovation efficiency is an important manifestation of regional innovation capacity, and how to improve regional innovation efficiency is crucial to regional development. This study empirically explores the impact of industrial intelligence on regional innovation efficiency and the possible influence of approaches and mechanisms. The empirical results revealed the following. First, the development level of industrial intelligence can positively affect regional innovation efficiency, while beyond a certain level, its role in promoting regional innovation efficiency will weaken, exhibiting an inverted U-shaped effect. Second, compared with the application research by enterprises, industrial intelligence plays a stronger role in promoting the innovation efficiency of basic research by scientific research institutes. Third, human capital situation, financial development level, and industrial structure upgrading are three significant channels for industrial intelligence to promote regional innovation efficiency. Therefore, accelerating the development of industrial intelligence, formulating individualized policies for different innovative entities, and rationally allocating resources related to the development of industrial intelligence are needed to be taken to improve regional innovation.