Objective/Significance The synergistic development of agricultural science and technology innovation and food security is fundamental to advancing agricultural modernization. This study aims to elucidate the interaction mechanisms between these two systems, analyze the dynamic evolution and spatiotemporal patterns of their coupling coordination, and provide insights for fostering their integrated development.

Method/Process Utilizing panel data from 30 provincial-level regions in China covering the period from 2012 to 2023, this research employs the entropy method to determine indicator weights. It applies a coupling coordination degree model to assess the coordination level between the two systems and incorporates a spatial autocorrelation model to examine their spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and agglomeration effects, thereby systematically revealing the evolution of their coordinated relationship.

Results/Conclusions The findings indicate a steady improvement in the coupling coordination degree between AST innovation and food security in China, albeit with significant regional disparities. A positive spatial correlation and clear agglomeration effects are observed, manifesting as high-level clusters primarily in the central and eastern regions and low-level clusters mainly in the western region. Accordingly, policy recommendations include strengthening policy guidance, enhancing inter-regional coordination, boosting empowerment through technological advancement, and promoting the implementation of the Broad Food Approach to facilitate high-level synergistic development between the two systems.