Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relation between technological innovation modes and their impact on eco-efficiency of industrial enterprises in China. Design/methodology/approach – This paper first constructs a model to evaluate and measure the eco-efficiency of industrial enterprises in China from 2006 to 2010. Second, this paper compares the role of technological innovation modes – specifically, domestic independent innovation, foreign technology import and domestic technology transfer – in improving eco-efficiency of industrial enterprises in the Eastern, Central and Western regions of China by logarithmic regression. Findings – The study finds that domestic independent innovation has a positive significant influence in improving eco-efficiency of industrial enterprises in the Eastern region; domestic technology transfer has a positive significant role in the Central region; and foreign technology import and domestic technology transfer positively affect the Western region. Originality/value – This paper is the first to identify the role of technological innovation modes in improving eco-efficiency. The findings can help enterprises in the three regions adopt the most effective technological innovation mode. In addition, the results provide valuable insights into policy development to improve China’s overall eco-efficiency and to balance economic and industrial development among the three regions.

In this paper, we estimated the level of "Two Oriented Society" of Anhui province industrial sector by Principal Component Analysis based on the data of 2000-2008, then we constructed a grey correctional degree model to analyze the relationship between R & D investment and "Two Oriented Society". The empirical results showed that R & D investment would promote "Two Oriented Society" construction, especially the high-quality scientists.