Abstract: Compared to the traditional independent R&D and internal R&D, seeking the approach of the external knowledge sourcing and non-R&D innovation is an effective innovation transformation strategy under the condition of open innovation. Based on China's high-tech industry provincial panel data during 2009-2014, this paper analysis the characteristics, regional heterogeneity and development trend of the external knowledge sourcing and non-R&D innovation path and empirical research its impact mechanism on the patent output. The results show that: the funds of the eastern region to carry out external sourcing, non-R&D activities is much higher than the central and western regions, while the proportion of the external knowledge sourcing and non-R&D innovation investments in the western region and the northeast region is higher than that in the eastern and central regions, and the regional heterogeneity is significant. High-tech industry has a significant positive impact on patent output through the external knowledge sourcing and non-R&D innovation, which needs to be paid enough attention and utilization. And the cooperative driving effect between the external knowledge sourcing, non-R&D and internal R&D showing no significant or weak negative effect and the positive synergy effect of diversified innovation path is not fully played at this stage in China. The study provides an effective reference for optimizing the allocation of innovation resources and exploring the unique and effective way to diversify innovation of high-tech industry.