China’s approach to a digital and green transformation through the state-led organization of innovation processes

verfasst von

Chris Simon Brück

betreut von

Michael Breitner

Abstract

Two fundamental transformation processes are currently shaping the future of global economic systems. On the one hand, it is essential to address the negative impacts and causes of human-made climate change through sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. In this context, the promotion and development of green technologies and innovations plays a crucial role, as they offer alternatives that are less harmful for the environment. On the other hand, our society is undergoing a process of digital transformation, which describes not only the processes of digitization, but also the applications and effects of new digital technologies. The term twin transition refers to the joint consideration of these two transformation processes and highlights the potential for using digital technologies to achieve green objectives. China plays a significant role in both transformations, as it is heavily investing in the expansion of green and digital technologies, while innovation processes and mechanisms differ fundamentally from those in Western economies. China’s innovation system is widely described as state-led, with the central government developing overarching strategies and directing innovation processes. This dissertation explores China’s approach to the digital and green (twin) transformation through the state-led organization of innovation processes. In order to achieve this objective, I analyze the state-led processes from three different perspectives and conduct multiple case studies. The qualitative analyses reveal that China’s national aims and means to promote digital and green technologies are either adopted or adjusted by regional levels. The policy implementation at the local level depends on specific governance structures, actors, and dynamics, and is carried out through local coordination processes, which are either more strictly regulated by the state or offer freedoms to specific actors. Additionally, foreign multinational enterprises are only partially integrated into state-led innovation processes in China. Thus far, the use of digital technologies for green purposes has not been comprehensively addressed by the state and is mainly driven by intrinsic motives of certain companies. Overall, this study sheds light on China’s state-led approach to advancing green and digital innovation, as well as the key actors and processes relevant for their place-based implementation.

Organisationseinheit(en)

Institut für Wirtschafts- und Kulturgeographie
Fachgebiet Wirtschaftsgeographie

Typ

Dissertation

Anzahl der Seiten

118

Publikationsdatum

13.03.2025

Publikationsstatus

Veröffentlicht

Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung

SDG 13 – Klimaschutzmaßnahmen

Elektronische Version(en)

https://doi.org/10.15488/18644 (Zugang: Offen)