A Systematic Evaluation Framework for Service Science and Technology Innovation in China: Regional Disparity Analysis with AHP and Multi-Source Data

This study develops a systematic framework to evaluate regional service science and technology innovation (SSTI) in China. It aims to address the “manufacturing paradigm” bias in existing evaluations. Drawing on the national innovation system (NIS) theory, a multi-level indicator system is constructed with three dimensions: Innovation input, innovation output, and innovation environment. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is applied to determine indicator weights, and the SSTI performance of eight provinces and municipalities in China from 2011 to 2023 is systematically measured and comparatively analyzed. The results reveal a sustained upward trend in the overall level of SSTI. However, a pronounced stratified pattern of “the strong get stronger” persists, reflecting significant and widening regional disparities. Moreover, regional innovation modes exhibit marked structural heterogeneity. These findings advance the operational evaluation of SSTI and provide diagnostic insights for identifying systemic bottlenecks, optimizing resource allocation, and formulating region-specific innovation strategies.