Evolutionary game analysis of low-carbon transformation and technological innovation in the cold chain under dual government intervention

This paper explores the effectiveness of green technology innovation and low-carbon transformation in promoting low-carbon development across various industries. Specifically, we investigate the government’s interventions for new energy vehicle (NEV) enterprises and cold chain logistics service providers (LSPs) to promote the green development of the cold chain logistics industry. Using evolutionary game theory, we analyze the interaction mechanism among government regulators, NEV enterprises, and cold chain LSPs to identify effective intervention policies. Furthermore, we define optimization conditions and analyze the influence of key factors on the dynamic evolution process. Finally, we conduct a detailed sensitivity analysis of the main parameters. The findings reveal that (1) initial differences in willingness among subjects can have a significant impact on their evolution, (2) government penalties have a greater impact on enterprises than subsidies, while NEV enterprises are more sensitive to subsidies, and additional government intervention in cold chain LSPs can promote a balance of interests among the three parties, and (3) collaborative innovation cost-sharing among cold chain LSPs can promote the greening of the cold chain. Overall, the results of this study can serve as a reference for the decarbonization path of the manufacturer–service provider model and offer valuable suggestions for the government to achieve a low-carbon society.