Abstract:Based on the relevant available data from 2000 to 2016, using the extremum entropy method and the coupling coordination model, the study was conducted on the coupling degree of Yunnan Province’s scientific and technological progress-economic development system, and on the comparable coupling degree of scientific and technological progress-economic development system between Yunnan、Guizhou、Guangxi、Zhejiang and Jiangsu these five pronvinces, and also on the comparable coupling degree of scientific and technological progress-economic development system that around Yunnan’s sixteen cities. The conclusions are: First, Yunnan’s scientific and technological progress and economic development have steadily increased in recent years, and the degree of coordination and coupling between scientific and technological progress and economic development has continued to rise. Second, compared to the other five provinces, the level of scientific and technological progress, the level of economic development, the degree of coordination between scientific and technological progress and the economic development are lower in Yunnan, but the degree of coupling between scientific and technological progress and economic development is relatively high. Third, from the perspective of the sixteen cities in Yunnan, the degree of coupling is more evenly distributed. The degree of coordination is outstanding in Kunming, and the remaining cities are below the average level. Forth, the elements of scientific and technological progress are equally important to Yunnan’s development. Based on these conclusions, policy suggestions were put forward in this study from aspects such as the concept of understanding, innovation-driven, economic leap-forward development, and the balance of regional science, technology and economic development.