Intellectual property protection, new quality productivity, and economic growth: Empirical evidence from China

This study utilizes the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2012 to 2022 to empirically examine the impact of the coupled synergy of Intellectual Property Protection and New Quality Productivity on economic growth, and introduces the regulatory and mediating mechanisms of scientific and technological innovation, mismatch of innovation resources, and international competitiveness. The study finds that: (1) Intellectual Property Protection and New Quality Productivity can significantly promote economic growth, and the better the synergy between the two, the stronger the promotion effect; (2) there is obvious heterogeneity among regions, and the synergy effect is more significant in the eastern and central regions; (3) science and technology innovation plays a key intermediary role; (4) mismatch of innovation resources and international competitiveness play an important moderating effect in this mechanism. This conclusion provides empirical references for improving the intellectual property system, cultivating new quality productivity and realizing high-quality development. • Intellectual property protection and new quality productivity significantly boost economic growth when well coordinated • Economic growth impact varies regionally, with stronger effects in eastern and central China • Technological innovation mediates the relationship between IP protection and economic growth • Misallocation of innovation resources and international competitiveness moderate the impact • Reducing resource misallocation and enhancing competitiveness amplify economic benefits