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Tripartite Evolutionary Game Analysis for Manufacturing Firms, Service Providers and Consumers in Collaborative Innovation Systems

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  • Jinfa Shi

    (School of Management and Economics, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China)

  • Haotian Lu

    (School of Management and Economics, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China)

  • Wei Liu

    (School of Management and Economics, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China)

Abstract

With global economic growth and intensifying market competition, Chinese manufacturing firms are under pressure to enhance product competitiveness and adapt to changing consumer demands, requiring continuous product innovation and upgrading. This study introduces a tripartite evolutionary game model involving manufacturing firms, service providers and consumers to analyze the strategic stability and the impact of various factors on decision-making within this system. The results indicate that the decisions of these actors are interdependent, with a fair distribution of innovation benefits and costs being key to stimulating innovation enthusiasm and participation. The presence of free-riding behavior affects strategic choices, and a robust system of rewards and penalties can mitigate this problem. The cost of obtaining market information also influences service providers’ participation in innovation, with high costs potentially suppressing their involvement. This research provides insights to guide collaborative innovation efforts during industrial transformation, highlighting the direct impact of service providers and consumers on the success of manufacturing upgrades.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinfa Shi & Haotian Lu & Wei Liu, 2025. "Tripartite Evolutionary Game Analysis for Manufacturing Firms, Service Providers and Consumers in Collaborative Innovation Systems," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmathe:v:13:y:2025:i:3:p:428-:d:1578609
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wang, Changfeng & Hu, Qiying, 2020. "Knowledge sharing in supply chain networks: Effects of collaborative innovation activities and capability on innovation performance," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 94.
    2. Ayala, Néstor Fabián & Paslauski, Carolline Amaral & Ghezzi, Antonio & Frank, Alejandro Germán, 2017. "Knowledge sharing dynamics in service suppliers' involvement for servitization of manufacturing companies," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 538-553.
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