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Assessing the development of green innovation in China through patent evolution: the hallmark of government policy and private enterprises

Alexandre Coussa (Department of Economics, Center for Competitiveness of the University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland)
Philippe Gugler (Department of Economics, Center for Competitiveness of the University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland)
Jonathan Reidy (Department of Economics, Center for Competitiveness of the University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland)

International Journal of Emerging Markets

ISSN: 1746-8809

Article publication date: 19 February 2024

180

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive overview of green innovation (GI) in China, which is carried out by reviewing the evolution of GI from 2000 to 2019, and the main type of technology, actors and localizations. When appropriate, GI is compared to non-GI.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses patent data from the European Patent Office database (PATSTAT); these data are processed to map trends and identify the main contributors to GI and the location of such innovation. The findings are then discussed and complemented with academic literature.

Findings

Key findings reveal an increasing divergence between GI and nongreen innovation after the 2008 crisis. It is also observed that solar energy appears to be the main component of GI in China, with a shift from photovoltaic thermal energy to solar photovoltaic energy after 2008. Other areas, such as waste management, greenhouse gases capture and climate change adaptation, are less innovative. Companies play an essential role in the development of all types of innovation. In terms of location, green patents are mainly filed in China’s three main megacities. The study also highlights the significant role of the Chinese state, which led policies shaping the trajectories and forms of GI.

Originality/value

This study expands knowledge on GI in China, highlighting its main specificities and the role of key actors. It provides to the reader a comprehensive picture of China’s green policies and innovation realities. The results can therefore be used to improve the understanding of GI evolution in China and facilitate the formulation of new research questions.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Basile de Raemy and Samuel Ferreira Gomes (Center for Competitiveness of the University of Fribourg) for their research assistance. They are also grateful to the EPO support team and other contributors of the EPO forum for their remarks and suggestions, as well as the anonymous reviewers for their meaningful advices. The usual disclaimer applies.

Citation

Coussa, A., Gugler, P. and Reidy, J. (2024), "Assessing the development of green innovation in China through patent evolution: the hallmark of government policy and private enterprises", International Journal of Emerging Markets, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOEM-09-2023-1512

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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