Abstract: Using the data of 371 Chinese innovation-oriented firms, this paper empirically tested the relationship between independent R&D and innovation performance, and on this base, we have further probed the moderating effects of region-specific institutions. By these results, we have discovered that, （1）independent R&D has significant positive influence on innovation performance.（2）domestic firms in different regions of China do not equally benefit from independent R&D. Firms that operate in regions with higher levels of international openness, intellectual property right protection and market development are better able to use independent R&D to improve their innovation performance. (3) The results also reveal that the moderating effects of region-specific institutions depend on the ownership types of firms, and whether they have been listed or built oversea R&D centers. Our studies have important enlightenment for understanding the role of region-specific institutions in firms’ innovation process, and promoting the strategy of innovation-driven development.

摘要： 基于中国371家创新型企业的研发数据，实证检验了自主研发与企业创新绩效间的关系，并考察地区制度差异对自主研发与创新绩效间关系的影响。研究发现，（1）自主研发与企业创新绩效之间呈显著正相关关系；（2）企业的创新绩效并非同等受益于其自主研发活动，企业所在地区的开放水平越高，知识产权保护越好，市场化程度越高，该企业的自主研发活动对其创新绩效的促进作用就越强；（3）地区制度环境在自主研发和企业创新绩效间的调节作用还会因企业所有制类型、上市情况以及海外研发情况的不同而有所差别。本文研究对于深入理解制度环境在企业创新中的作用以及推动实施创新驱动发展战略具有重要启示。