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From labs to boardrooms: How academic executives drive high-impact innovation in China's new energy vehicle sector

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  • Zhu, Yan
  • Wu, Jie
  • Gaidai, Oleg

Abstract

While the influence of academic executives (AEs) on corporate innovation is well-studied in developed economies, their role in emerging markets—particularly in translating basic research into high-impact innovation—remains unclear. Using data from 117 Chinese NEV firms (2000–2021), we demonstrate that AEs increase patent citations by 42 % and R&D intensity by 3.1 percentage points, effects driven by their prioritization of basic research (unlike traditional executives who prioritize short-term R&D output, AEs act as 'knowledge architects' by integrating academic networks into corporate innovation pipelines). Heterogeneity analysis reveals university-affiliated AEs boost patent quality, while institute-affiliated AEs enhance R&D efficiency. We find AEs' financial impact is indirect: they improve sales-per-employee (p < 0.05) but not ROA, highlighting a long-term innovation pathway. These results redefine AEs as bridges between academia and commercialization, suggesting AE recruitment over subsidies for catch-up industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Yan & Wu, Jie & Gaidai, Oleg, 2025. "From labs to boardrooms: How academic executives drive high-impact innovation in China's new energy vehicle sector," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 333(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:333:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225030099
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.137367
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