The Evolutionary Study of China’s Technology Transfer Policy Structure
A Mixed Paradigm Analysis based on Latent Dirichlet Allocation Model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6981/FEM.202607_7(7).0015Keywords:
Technology Transfer; LDA Model; Policy Text Analysis; Evolution Trend.Abstract
As global competition in science and technology has intensified, the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements has become an important way to promote innovation-driven and high-quality economic development. Using a corpus of 409 policy documents issued by China's central and local governments from 1991 to 2024, this study examines how policies on the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements changed over time through a mixed analytical framework. The Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic model is used to analyze policy development from internal and external perspectives. The internal analysis focuses on the thematic structure and content of policy documents, whereas the external analysis looks at their temporal evolution, spatial distribution, and institutional sources. Together, these two dimensions trace the development path and policy logic of China's system in this area. The study further examines the structural features and changes in technology transfer policy instruments, identifies the main weaknesses in the current policy framework, and proposes targeted suggestions for improvement. In this way, the findings clarify how China's technology transfer policies have evolved and provide evidence for strengthening the policy system and improving the efficiency of commercializing scientific and technological achievements.
Downloads
References
[1] Kang, Y., Guo, J. B., Hu, Z. A., et al. (2025). Innovation drivers, incentive mechanisms and university technology transfer: Evidence from provincial-ministerial co-constructed state key laboratories. Management World, 41(3), 50–76.
[2] Li, S. H., & Xia, M. (2021). Institutional drivers or market orientation: The evolution of China’s technology transfer policies. Chinese Journal of Science and Technology Forum, (10), 1–13.
[3] Yang, H. (2023). Policy text analysis in social science: Methodology and approaches. Social Sciences, (12), 5–15.
[4] Alexander, J. C. (2008). The logic of sociological theory Volume One: Positivism, presupposition and contemporary controversies. Sociology Press.
[5] Xu, Z. L., & Xu, G. (2021). Paradigm debates and methodological exploration of mixed methods research in social sciences. Journal of Renmin University of China, 35(5), 159–170.
[6] Huo, G. Q. (2022). Two fundamental modes of technology transfer. Think Tank Theory and Practice, 7(5), 73–80, 110.
[7] Zhang, W. (2023). Revisions of the Science and Technology Progress Law and comparative analysis with the Bayh-Dole Act. Chinese Universities Science & Technology, (3), 1–6.
[8] Cohen, W. M., Goto, A., Nagata, A., et al. (2002). R&D spillovers, patents and innovation incentives in Japan and the United States. Research Policy, 31(8), 1349–1367.
[9] Ye, J. J., Zhou, X. Y., & Chen, S. (2021). Basic research input and technology commercialization: Evidence from NSFC funding. China Economic Quarterly, 21(6), 1883–1902.
[10] Kang, Y., Huang, H., Zhang, L. Q., et al. (2022). University-industry collaboration and innovation outputs of Chinese universities. Journal of Quantitative & Technical Economics, 39(10), 129–149.
[11] Long, X. N., & Wang, J. (2015). Drivers and quality effects of patent surge in China. The World Economy, 38(6), 115–142.
[12] Lin, F. F., & Zhao, H. (2016). Research on China’s technology transfer efficiency from policy perspective. Journal of Information Intelligence, 35(10), 86–90.
[13] Zhang, L. Y. (2018). Evaluation and optimization research on technology transfer policy texts in Chongqing [Master’s thesis]. Chongqing University.
[14] Yang, Z., Liu, C., & Ji, D. (2021). Governance innovation of university technology transfer from platform governance perspective. Science of Science and Management of S.& T., 42(12), 64–78.
[15] Wu, Y. Q., & Wang, Y. F. (2024). Research on optimal topic number selection for LDA model in science and technology information analysis. New Technology of Library and Information Service, (4), 79–88.
[16] Guan, P., & Wang, Y. F. (2016). Research on determination of optimal topic number of LDA model for science and technology policy text mining. Modern Library and Information Technology, (9), 42–50.
[17] Gao, Z., Zhi, Y., & Han, L. L. (2023). Research on the impact of scientific and technological innovation on high-quality regional economic development: Measurement based on panel data of 30 provinces from 2009 to 2018. Chinese Universities Science & Technology, (3), 14–21.
[18] Wen, R. (2024). Twenty years of rise of central China: Achievements, difficulties and breakthrough paths. Journal of Zhengzhou University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 57(5), 77–84.
[19] Yao, K. L. (2007). Research on national science and technology reward system [Doctoral dissertation]. University of Science and Technology of China.
[20] Zhan, X. Y., & Yu, T. (2024). How combined fiscal and tax policies boost technology transfer of SMEs. Management World, 40(8), 191–208.
[21] Fang, H. T. (2010). Theoretical and practical reflections on technology finance. Chinese Journal of Science and Technology Forum, (11), 5–10, 23.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Frontiers in Economics and Management

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.





