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Promoting green ICT in China: A framework based on innovation system approaches

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  • Zhang, Jing
  • Liang, Xiong-jian

Abstract

Green ICT is a key enabler of a green economy. To aid policy makers in promoting green ICT at the national level, this paper proposes a comprehensive understanding of green ICT from the perspective of green innovation and develops an analytical framework based on innovation system approaches. Following the framework, policy makers can identify the critical system failures of a green ICT innovation system by assessing the key structural components of the system and, hence, formulate policies to solve them. The framework is used to analyze the green ICT innovation system in China. The findings indicate several critical system failures that hamper the development and diffusion of green ICT in China. Accordingly, policies are suggested to address the failures. This paper aids in the understanding of green ICT and contributes to the development of systematic approaches to formulating green ICT strategies. The Chinese experiences provide practical implications, which can be considered by other countries for reference.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Jing & Liang, Xiong-jian, 2012. "Promoting green ICT in China: A framework based on innovation system approaches," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(10), pages 997-1013.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:telpol:v:36:y:2012:i:10:p:997-1013
    DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2012.09.001
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    7. Sun, Hongye & Kim, Giseung, 2021. "The composite impact of ICT industry on lowering carbon intensity: From the perspective of regional heterogeneity," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    8. Bekaroo, Girish & Bokhoree, Chandradeo & Pattinson, Colin, 2016. "Impacts of ICT on the natural ecosystem: A grassroot analysis for promoting socio-environmental sustainability," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 1580-1595.
    9. Kunofiwa Tsaurai & Bester Chimbo, 2019. "The Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Carbon Emissions in Emerging Markets," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 9(4), pages 320-326.
    10. Xia, Jun, 2017. "China’s telecommunications evolution, institutions, and policy issues on the eve of 5G: A two-decade retrospect and prospect," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(10), pages 931-947.
    11. Wen Chen & Changyi Zhu & Qi Cheung & Siying Wu & Jun Zhang & Jia Cao, 2024. "How does digitization enable green innovation? Evidence from Chinese listed companies," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(5), pages 3832-3854, July.
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    13. Konstantinos Koasidis & Alexandros Nikas & Hera Neofytou & Anastasios Karamaneas & Ajay Gambhir & Jakob Wachsmuth & Haris Doukas, 2020. "The UK and German Low-Carbon Industry Transitions from a Sectoral Innovation and System Failures Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-34, September.
    14. Li, Yaya & Zhu, Zhu & Guan, Yefeng & Kang, Yanfang, 2022. "Research on the structural features and influence mechanism of the green ICT transnational cooperation network," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 734-749.
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    17. Sun, Xianming & Xiao, Shiyi & Ren, Xiaohang & Xu, Bing, 2023. "Time-varying impact of information and communication technology on carbon emissions," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    18. Alsagr, Naif & Ozturk, Ilhan, 2024. "How do energy security risk and ICT affect green investment?," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 1044-1055.
    19. Xiwei Wang & Yu Guo & Mengqing Yang & Yong Chen & Wenxiao Zhang, 2017. "Information ecology research: past, present, and future," Information Technology and Management, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 27-39, March.
    20. Kumar, Ronald Ravinesh & Stauvermann, Peter Josef & Samitas, Aristeidis, 2016. "The effects of ICT⁎ on output per worker: A study of the Chinese economy," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(2), pages 102-115.
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    23. Song, Wenfei & Han, Xianfeng, 2022. "The bilateral effects of foreign direct investment on green innovation efficiency: Evidence from 30 Chinese provinces," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(PB).
    24. Laura-Diana Radu, 2018. "Barriers to Green ICT Adoption in Romania," Academic Journal of Economic Studies, Faculty of Finance, Banking and Accountancy Bucharest,"Dimitrie Cantemir" Christian University Bucharest, vol. 4(4), pages 28-33, December.
    25. Jing Wang & Yubing Xu, 2021. "Internet Usage, Human Capital and CO 2 Emissions: A Global Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-16, July.

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