Diffusion mechanism of low-carbon technologies innovation under PPP mode in China: a viewpoint of multi-agent evolutionary game

Purpose The process of the diffusion of low-carbon technologies (LCTs) innovation under PPP mode is a dynamic evolutionary game process with multi-agent interaction. The behavioral strategies of different participants are influenced not only by various factors, but also by the network environment. This study aims to clarify the evolutionary mechanisms and influencing factors that affect the diffusion of LCTs innovation among various participants under the PPP mode. Design/methodology/approach The evolutionary game model of LCTs innovation diffusion involving government, non-governmental capital (NGC) and banking institutions is built and the influence of different factors on the evolutionary trend of behavioral strategies is analyzed by numerical simulation. Then, taking into account that the network environment will have an impact on an individual's behavior, an evolutionary game model among NGCs within a complex network is developed to investigate the impact of various network factors on the diffusion of LCTs. Findings The results highlight the importance of risk costs, innovation expenditure, rewards and penalties in influencing the diffusion of LCTs innovation among government, NGC and banking institution. In addition, by using China's expressway PPP projects as a case study, the network of NGCs exhibits the traits of a scale-free network, where innovative endeavors are influenced by reward-penalty mechanisms and banking preferences. Originality/value The originality of this study is to offer a fresh scientific perspective on advancing the diffusion of LCTs innovation within China's PPP framework. This study enhances and refines the theory of LCTs innovation diffusion within the infrastructure PPP sector, broadening the scope of complex network evolutionary game theory research. It also holds substantial importance in significantly mitigating carbon emissions from PPP projects and serves as a compelling demonstration for advancing low-carbon development within the construction industry.