In an era characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), external risk disturbances can be mitigated by bolstering the resilience of regional innovation ecosystems. This approach has emerged as the key strategy for fostering regional innovation and achieving high-quality development in China. Utilizing asymmetric configuration theory and methodologies, this article investigates multiple complex pathways through which the resilience of regional innovation ecosystems can be enhanced. Specifically, drawing from asymmetric innovation theory, we developed a research framework for analyzing the configuration of innovation ecosystem resilience (IER). Then, we utilized panel data qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to examine the configurations for high and non-high IER. The findings reveal that (1) there is a time effect on the necessity of most conditions for both high and non-high IER, with a high marketization level (ML) being the only necessary condition for high IRE, and that (2) a negligible temporal influence is observed in the configuration analysis results for high and non-high IER, and three stable pathways for high IER and four for non-high IER have been determined. This article provides valuable insights and references for improving relevant policies or adjusting innovation strategies to enhance regional innovation ecosystem resilience in China.

This article employs asymmetric configuration theory and methods to investigate how technological innovation drives regional green growth in China’s complex environment. Specifically, the pooled QCA method is employed to identify multiple driving paths for technological innovation-driven regional green growth. Three configurations for high green growth have been identified: (1) a configuration with high IRD (internal R&D), non-high GS (government support), non-high TM (technology market), and non-high ER (environmental regulation) as core conditions; (2) a configuration with high IRD, non-high NRD (non-R&D) and non-high ER as core conditions complemented by high TM; and (3) a configuration with high levels of IRD, ERD (external R&D) and TM, and non-high ER as core conditions. Furthermore, high IRD is essential for green growth, while strict environmental regulations may be detrimental. This article offers a theoretical basis for adjusting innovation strategies or improving relevant policies to promote green growth in China.