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A citation-based research framework for exploring policy diffusion: Evidence from China's new energy policies

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  • Ba, Zhichao
  • Ma, Yaxue
  • Cai, Jinyao
  • Li, Gang

Abstract

The citation-based approach has been applied extensively to explore the dynamic evolution and historical development of scientific research and technological advances, while it has rarely been used to analyze the dynamics of policy diffusion. Policy citations signify the flow of specific legislative knowledge in the legal system, which can provide traceable and measurable footprints for tracing the path of policy progress. To this end, this paper proposes a quantitative citation-based research framework for inspecting the patterns and evolution process of policy diffusion. First, time-varying policy citation networks at different stages are constructed by extracting citing/cited links of policies embedded in the textual content of policy documents. Pattern characteristics, topic dynamics, and historical trajectories of policy diffusion are then revealed by scrutinizing succinct structures of policy citation networks. An experimental study of large-scale new energy policies (NEPs) in China confirms the reliability of the citation-based approach in tracking policy diffusion. The introduced approach enriches the current methodology for policy research and provides valuable references for policymakers to judge their policymaking process.

Suggested Citation

  • Ba, Zhichao & Ma, Yaxue & Cai, Jinyao & Li, Gang, 2023. "A citation-based research framework for exploring policy diffusion: Evidence from China's new energy policies," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:188:y:2023:i:c:s0040162522007946
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2022.122273
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    Cited by:

    1. Wang, Jiaxi & Zhang, Jingjing, 2023. "The impact of policy collaboration networks and policy topic networks on policy diffusion: Empirical evidence from the energy field," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
    2. Chen, Jinglong & Wang, Dandan & Wang, Qinqin & Cai, Qiran, 2024. "Quantifying the synergy of China's carbon neutrality policies through policy documents," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).

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