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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

From Technology Follower to Global Leader: The Evolution of China’s New Energy Vehicle Innovation Ecosystem Through Patent Cooperation Networks

by
Xiaozhong Lyu
1,*,
Yu Yao
1,
Jian Wang
2,
Hao Li
3,
Zanjie Huang
1,
Mingxing Jiang
1 and
Qilin Wu
1
1
School of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Chaohu University, Hefei 238024, China
2
Institute of Data Space, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei 230088, China
3
Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd., Hefei 231200, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(12), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16120646
Submission received: 11 October 2025 / Revised: 17 November 2025 / Accepted: 24 November 2025 / Published: 26 November 2025
Review Reports Versions Notes

Abstract

This study employs an industry-specific patent classification methodology (ISPCM) and conducts complex network analysis across temporal, industrial, and spatial dimensions to examine China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) patent collaboration network and to uncover the mechanisms underlying China’s global rise in the NEV sector. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the ISPCM and reveal a three-phase growth pattern that is driven by policy initiatives and market expansion. Domestic entities dominate the patent landscape, with a noticeable shift from invention patents to utility model patents, which reflects a focus on application-oriented innovation. The collaboration network exhibits a heavy-tailed characteristic, and it forms an oligopolistic structure in which state-owned enterprises (SOEs) act as “innovation orchestrators,” while private firms concentrate on specialized R&D. Across the industrial chain, the component segment forms the largest network, the complete vehicle segment comprises the smallest network, and the aftermarket is clustered around battery recycling. A clear divide between domestic and foreign entities suggests potential decoupling risks. The findings reveal a dual-circulation innovation model that combines state-led coordinated research with market-driven independent research, offering valuable insights for sustainable industrial transformation.
Keywords: new energy vehicle; patent cooperation network; complex network analysis; innovation ecosystem; large language model new energy vehicle; patent cooperation network; complex network analysis; innovation ecosystem; large language model

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Lyu, X.; Yao, Y.; Wang, J.; Li, H.; Huang, Z.; Jiang, M.; Wu, Q. From Technology Follower to Global Leader: The Evolution of China’s New Energy Vehicle Innovation Ecosystem Through Patent Cooperation Networks. World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16, 646. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16120646

AMA Style

Lyu X, Yao Y, Wang J, Li H, Huang Z, Jiang M, Wu Q. From Technology Follower to Global Leader: The Evolution of China’s New Energy Vehicle Innovation Ecosystem Through Patent Cooperation Networks. World Electric Vehicle Journal. 2025; 16(12):646. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16120646

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lyu, Xiaozhong, Yu Yao, Jian Wang, Hao Li, Zanjie Huang, Mingxing Jiang, and Qilin Wu. 2025. "From Technology Follower to Global Leader: The Evolution of China’s New Energy Vehicle Innovation Ecosystem Through Patent Cooperation Networks" World Electric Vehicle Journal 16, no. 12: 646. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16120646

APA Style

Lyu, X., Yao, Y., Wang, J., Li, H., Huang, Z., Jiang, M., & Wu, Q. (2025). From Technology Follower to Global Leader: The Evolution of China’s New Energy Vehicle Innovation Ecosystem Through Patent Cooperation Networks. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 16(12), 646. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16120646

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