This study investigates the key factors influencing the transformation of higher education resources into regional innovation and development outcomes in Hubei Province. Drawing on grey system theory, a three-stage indicator framework is constructed—encompassing research output, intermediary mechanisms, and application performance. Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) is applied to assess the relative impact of each indicator. Results reveal that intermediary capacity plays a dominant role, with service personnel ranking highest in correlation. Foundational research inputs, such as patents and applied R&D projects, also show strong associations. However, technology transfer contracts rank lowest, indicating persistent gaps in formalized commercialization. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening intermediary structures and optimizing resource allocation to improve transformation efficiency. The study provides empirical evidence and theoretical insight for enhancing the role of universities in regional innovation ecosystems.

Baolin Li, Xiaohui Zhu, Lihua Yang. Transforming Higher Education Resources into Innovation and Development: Evidence from Grey Relational Analysis in Hubei. Frontiers in Educational Research (2025), Vol. 8, Issue 12: 16-22. https://doi.org/10.25236/FER.2025.081203.

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