The economic–tourism–environment (ETE) is a complex system with extensive connotations and coupling characteristics. The exact understanding of these systems forms the prerequisite and basis for regional development. This study explores the impact of the coupling coordination of the ETE system on the level and influencing factors of sustainable development in western China. An evaluation index system has been developed for assessing the coupling coordination (CC) of the ETE system based on the context of 12 provinces and cities in western China. Entropy and spatial autocorrelation methods have been used to evaluate the comprehensive benefit value and influencing factors of the ETE systems in the region. The spatial Durbin model has been used to assess empirical data from 2010–2019. The coupling coordination degree (CCD) of each subsystem was used as the main explanatory variable to quantify the spatial spillover effect. The research results show that the ETE system of the provinces and cities in western China have a strong correlation. The three subsystems interact, restrict, and promote each other, operating together in contradictory unity. The degree of coupling and coordination of the ETE systems are mainly stable but fluctuate from the time perspective. From the spatial perspective, the level of coupling and coordination have clear spatial correlation and spatial dependence. However, since 2013, the spatial dependence has significantly weakened, indicating that the level of coupling coordination is moving towards a balanced direction. The ETE subsystems not only promote the improvement of the coupling coordination of the region itself, but also optimize the coupling coordination of neighboring areas. The promotion effect of each subsystem on the degree of self-coupling and coordination is greater than the promotion effect on neighboring areas.

This study explores the impact of industry–university–research (IUR) cooperation on the economic system. The study constructs a vulnerability evaluation index comprising 42 indicators in five dimensions. The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) panel data from 2006–2018 are used to assess economic vulnerability in China. The research results show that, firstly, from 2006–2018, the index values indicated a good development trend, with fluctuations in the values of the sensitivity and economic vulnerability indices. The response ability index values gradually increased, especially later in this period. This showed a promising trend of low sensitivity, high response ability, and low vulnerability. Secondly, the spatial distribution pattern demonstrated certain laws and continuity, but the development process was unstable, while the eastern < the central < the western showed a “ladder” evolution pattern, “extremely poor” characteristics, and an “agglomeration” evolutionary path. Thirdly, the impact of IUR cooperation on regional economic development can be divided into three phases: knowledge interaction, creation, and application. The interaction and synergy between universities, research institutions, and enterprises play a role in regional economic development. The study recommends strengthening the coupling coordination of the production, research and development (R&D), cooperation, and innovation, with the dual functions of government guidance and market decision making.