Sustainable Evolution of China’s Provincial New Quality Productivity Based on Three Dimensions of Multi-Period Development and Combination Weights

In this study, we aim to construct an evaluation system to accurately measure the development status and trends of China’s new quality productivity, which is pivotal for the sustainable development of the Chinese economy. In light of the current lack of a standardized evaluation index system and precise measurement methods, we have established an evaluation index system comprising three dimensions—scientific and technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and factor transformation—in alignment with the essence and traits of new quality productivity. By the combination of the entropy method and multi-period weights, we assess the development level of new quality productivity across China’s 31 provinces from 2013 to 2022. The findings reveal the following: (1) Substantial regional disproportions exist among provinces in the advancement of new quality productivity, with Shanghai and Beijing demonstrating a notable first-mover advantage. (2) While the levels of new quality productivity in most provinces are generally modest, an overall positive development trajectory is observed. Drawing upon these outcomes, a set of targeted development strategies are put forward, such as leading scientific and technological innovation, promoting industrial upgrading, and realizing the transformation of elements. This article can enhance our understanding of the spatiotemporal development pattern of China’s new quality productivity, offering a novel theoretical framework and practical approach for fostering new quality productivity tailored to unique circumstances. Consequently, it may facilitate the promotion of economic sustainability.