The measurements and decomposition of innovation inequality: Based on Industry − University − Research perspective

Enterprises, universities, and scientific research institutions are the core innovation subjects; the distribution and aggregation of innovation resources immensely affect innovation efficiency. This paper examines innovation inequality of the three subjects (Industry − University − Research) by using single-dimensional inequality synthesis, multidimensional Gini coefficient, and the Atkinson–Kolm–Sen index in China. Furthermore, we decompose the three subjects’ innovation inequality into intrasubject and intersubject to explore their contributions to inequality. The study deduced that even with the decline, China’s innovation inequality of the three subjects has remained relatively high over the past 10 years, accompanied by a tendency to rebound frequently. Divided by the innovation spatial association network, the inequality in the northern, southern, and western innovation circles revealed different development trends post 2006. Furthermore, the “relationship between subjects” is the main factor affecting the three subjects’ innovation inequality, and the three innovation circles demonstrate heterogeneities by being “research shortage,” “industry delayed,” and “Industry − University − Research insufficient.”