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Research on the diffusion of low-carbon technologies through trilateral evolutionary game based on incentive mechanisms

Author

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  • Wu, Yu’e
  • Liu, Zeyun
  • Wang, Xinyu
  • Yin, Anran
  • Zhang, Shuhua

Abstract

Low carbon technology (LCT) is a vital solution for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, yet high emissions persist as a societal challenge despite extensive low-carbon (LC) policies. This research addresses this issue by proposing a novel synergistic incentive mechanism that integrates the public sectors, enterprises, and consumers, with a particular focus on their coordination and feedback-driven interactions. A key highlight of this study lies in the development of an evolutionary game framework that utilizes fraction-dependent fitness and pairwise comparison rule among three sectors, while emphasizing the impact of inter-sectoral feedback and interactions on cooperation. Our research indicates that: i) both positive feedback such as reputation rewards and environmental benefits and punishment can promote cooperation in all three sectors. ii) the coordination benefit and the incremental benefit also play positive roles in favoring cooperation. iii) the lower the randomness of individuals imitating others strategies, the faster the three sectors evolve towards cooperation. By emphasizing the role of sectoral coordination and feedback, this research provides a deeper understanding of how multi-sectoral cooperation can be achieved to support comprehensive LCT diffusion. The insights gained offer practical guidance for policymakers to design integrated strategies that leverage the synergies among sectors, ultimately dedicating to addressing the persistent challenge of high greenhouse gas emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Yu’e & Liu, Zeyun & Wang, Xinyu & Yin, Anran & Zhang, Shuhua, 2026. "Research on the diffusion of low-carbon technologies through trilateral evolutionary game based on incentive mechanisms," Applied Mathematics and Computation, Elsevier, vol. 516(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:apmaco:v:516:y:2026:i:c:s0096300325005983
    DOI: 10.1016/j.amc.2025.129873
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