Under the new nationwide system, key core technologies occupy an important strategic position as a national tool. Focusing on the integrated circuit industry in the key core technologies, this paper uses the technology - organization - environment 3D analysis framework and the method of combining QCA and NCA to discuss the core drivers and effective paths of the key core technologies in 31 provinces in mainland China. The research findings are as follows: (1) Digital technology, R D investment intensity, market environment and government support are the key bottlenecks that determine the key core technology research. (2) There are three effective approaches to key core technologies, namely, market-oriented under high digital technology, industry-oriented under high organizational agglomeration, and government-oriented under high R D funding, in which the technical level plays a basic role, while the organizational and environmental levels play a supporting role.? (3) Industrial collaboration is an effective way to make up for the lack of key core technology innovation elements, and the influence of government funding cannot be ignored.