Quality Management System Certification as a Driver of High-Quality Development in Technology-Based SMEs: An Effectiveness Assessment and Analysis of Determinants

Technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial for enhancing national innovation, economic growth, and job creation. This study analyzes a dataset of 22,018 micro and small enterprises across 31 provinces in mainland China that implemented Quality Management System (QMS) certification by the end of 2024. It evaluates the impact of QMS certification on the high-quality development of technology-based SMEs and examines regional and industry variations in outcomes. Using descriptive statistics and contingency-table analyses to compare performance between technology-based and non-technology-based SMEs, along with the CRITIC regression method for assessing regional improvement effects, the findings provide insights into how QMS certification supports technology-based SME development and offer guidance for policymakers and managers.