Abstract: The influences of technology business incubators on both regional economic convergence and regional innovative convergence were examined based on the panel data of Chinese national technology business incubators and the provincial capital cities that hosted them from 2008 to 2012, via σ and β convergence analysis. The results indicated that there existed economic convergence both nationwide and in different regions (i.e., east, midland and west), especially in the case of the eastern region. However, technology business incubators do not contribute to economic convergence. Similarly, there existed innovation convergence both nationwide and in different regions (i.e., east, midland and west), especially in the case of the midland region. Moreover, technology business incubators speeded up the convergence process of innovative ability, especially in the case of the western regions. The relevant policy proposals were given at last based on these findings.

Key words: technology business incubator, region, economic convergence, innovation convergence