Western region data

<b>Abstract: </b>Enhancing agricultural science and technology innovation is essential for China’s comprehensive rural revitalization and high-quality economic development. The establishment of National Agricultural Science and Technology Parks (NASTPs) represents a key initiative in advancing agricultural innovation. Using panel data from 723 counties in the western region between 2000 and 2019, this study employs the multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) method to examine the effects and mechanisms of these parks on the upgrading of county-level industrial structures. The results show that NASTPs significantly contribute to industrial structure upgrading at the county level. However, the policy does not generate spatial spillover or dynamic effects. Mechanism analysis indicates that this impact is mainly driven by the agglomeration effect, institutional environment effect, and innovation effect. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that parks established in counties with lower financial resources have a more pronounced effect on industrial structure upgrading compared to those in counties with medium or high financial resources. These findings suggest that the strategic distribution of such parks can promote industrial upgrading and reduce regional development disparities, though their long-term impact lacks sustainability. Strengthening the construction of these parks is necessary to enhance their role in industrial transformation. The conclusions provide policy recommendations for governments in western China to foster the development and upgrading of NASTPs, ensuring their effectiveness in improving county industrial structures.