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

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.