Abstract: This study measures the regional R and D efficiency in China using the panel data from 2002-2011. The results show that the R and D efficiency in China is improved but overall level is not high and the eastern part is higher than the central and western. The mean efficiency calculated by DEA and SFA is on remarkable difference but the correlation is upto 68.1% and the correlation coefficient is upto 0.611 in rank ordering. It is helpful to grasp the dynamic of the R and D efficiency based on panel data and this study, using the two approaches together, can improve the reliability and stability of the result, so that provides reliable basis for the R and D resources allocation.