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Multiple pathways for global value chain upgrading of China’s new energy vehicle industry: A fuzzy-set QCA approach

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  • Xu, Yaqin
  • Li, Ming

Abstract

This study employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to examine the configurational effects of national industrial competitive advantage factors on the global value chain upgrading of China’s new energy vehicle industry. The analysis is based on a sample of 66 Chinese new energy vehicle companies spanning the period from 2000 to 2016. The findings reveal that: First, none of the individual factors of national industrial competitive advantage constitutes a necessary condition for the upgrading of the new energy vehicle industry in the global value chain. Second, the configuration of factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, domestic rivalry, and government support constitutes diversified pathways for the upgrading of China’s new energy vehicle industry within the global value chain. This study identifies three typical upgrading pathways, which are “competition-driven”, “factor-policy synergy”, and “market-oriented”. Finally, domestic rivalry is an important external driving force for the Chinese new energy vehicle industry’s rise in the global value chain, while factor conditions are key internal driving factors in this process. Overall, this research is of considerable importance for advancing industrial chain modernization and promoting global value chain upgrading in strategic emerging industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Xu, Yaqin & Li, Ming, 2025. "Multiple pathways for global value chain upgrading of China’s new energy vehicle industry: A fuzzy-set QCA approach," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 600-610.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:88:y:2025:i:c:p:600-610
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2025.09.013
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    JEL classification:

    • F61 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Microeconomic Impacts
    • F66 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Labor
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure

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