Analysis of the Configuration and Path of Factors Influencing the Performance of High-Tech Industries

Exploring the joint effects factors affecting high-technology industries' performance is crucial to enhancing the country's overall strength. However, maintaining high industry performance levels has always been a complex issue. The literature mainly focuses on the net effects of single factors. In that case, the authors put forward a configurational framework that is the performance of high-tech industries, and does not depend on a single condition. Based on a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis of high-tech industry performance across Chinese provinces, the authors identify eight conditions affecting industry performance under four latitudes – economic environment, scientific research, technological progress, and government support. The results show that high and non-high levels of performance can be achieved through the different configurations of antecedents. Both economic development and science and technology inputs play an irreplaceable role in industrial performance.