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From complexity & research to cleanliness: The synergy of R&D investments, EV technologies and green complexity for sustainability

Author

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  • Bashir, Muhammad Adnan
  • Zhong, Zuchang
  • Vasa, Laszlo
  • Shahzadi, Irum
  • Bilan, Yuriy

Abstract

The developed and emerging countries strive for sustainability and focus on enhancing greener energy and electric products. Adopting electric vehicles and utilizing green energy sources are essential to this objective. This study examines the synergy between EV technologies, green energy, and sustainability in China using quarterly data from 2010Q1 to 2022Q4. In addition, it considers the policy-level roles of economic complexity and research and development efforts in the EV industry. The authors employ novel time-series methods to assess long-term associations, including unit root testing, the Bayer-Hanck cointegration test, FMOLS, and DOLS. Robustness is checked using both a parametric method (least squares with breaks) and a non-parametric method (quantile regression). The empirical results reveal that electric vehicle technologies, economic complexity, and R&D expenditures exert an unfavorable effect on greenhouse gas emissions. By contrast, green energy and economic globalization significantly reduce ecological emissions in the long run. The robustness check analysis through parametric and non-parametric provides robust and valid outcomes. Promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and investing in green energy, and research & development intiaitves have significant policy implications for attaining environmental sustainability. lastly, enhancing economic complexity and fostering economic globalization should be considered to ensure a stable environment and facilitate sustainable development and better environmental quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Bashir, Muhammad Adnan & Zhong, Zuchang & Vasa, Laszlo & Shahzadi, Irum & Bilan, Yuriy, 2026. "From complexity & research to cleanliness: The synergy of R&D investments, EV technologies and green complexity for sustainability," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:105:y:2026:i:c:s1059056025009062
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2025.104743
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q42 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Alternative Energy Sources
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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