Chinese innovation modernization is different from the basic principles of western traditional technology development theory, exhibiting distinct Chinese characteristics. It is grounded in self-reliance with an opening-up approach. Expanding on the theories of technological learning and economic modernization, this paper proposes a “technology-industry-institution” co-evolutionary analysis framework centered on the concept of “autonomous introduction”. Based on this perspective, this paper analyzes the Chinese innovation modernization, and reconciles the dispute between “autonomous” and “imported” modes of innovation development. Autonomous introduction encompasses two propositions: autonomous development is always the basis for absorbing imported technologies; the relative importance of autonomous development and technology importation, as well as that of intangible and tangible technology importation, displays a U-Shaped change. Employing this theoretical framework, the paper conducts an empirical analysis of Chinese innovation modernization, illustrating how China adeptly applies the principle of autonomous introduction during its technology taking-off and climbing stages, and how industrial carriers and institutional safeguards co-evolve. Furthermore, this paper discusses the challenges China faces during the technology cruising stage. Based on theoretical and empirical analyses, this paper suggests the paths and strategies to achieve high-level technological self-reliance from perspectives of technology, industry and institution.