Configuration paths of value co-creation in green supply chains of China’s new energy vehicle industry

This study investigates the configuration paths of value co-creation in the green supply chains of Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) enterprises. Drawing on value co-creation theory, a four-dimensional analytical framework comprising consensus, sharing, resonance, and integration is developed to explain multi-actor collaboration under sustainable development. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) based on data from 18 representative NEV enterprises, the study identifies four synergistic configurations-Digital Leverage, Collaborative Dual-Drive, Digital Sharing, and Consensus-Driven-that lead to high-level green supply chain development. The results reveal that consensus, sharing, and resonance frequently co-occur as mutually reinforcing conditions, while information-sharing platforms constitute the core infrastructure for effective collaboration. Moreover, the findings challenge the prevailing assumption that green transformation requires short-term profit sacrifice, demonstrating the feasibility of achieving both sustainability and profitability through coordinated multi-actor value co-creation.