Evolution of China's New Energy Vehicle Industry and Its Inherent Logic Based on the Quadruple Helix Theory

ABSTRACT China's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) industry has typical characteristics in the development of global manufacturing and has achieved remarkable results. This study employs the Quadruple Helix model to analyze and explain the complex dynamics of China's NEV industry, revealing the roles and interactions of multiple innovation entities, including the government, industry, the market, and universities, in the industry's development. The study finds that the Chinese government plays a key driving role in the early stage, accurately designing and adjusting the development direction of the industry by determining the technology roadmap, building R&D platforms, formulating marketing strategies, and technology policies. As the market matures, the government's role has gradually shifted from direct financial incentives to establishing a sustainable long‐term mechanism to ensure the stable growth of the industry. This sustained but flexible involvement of the government ensures the continuity of industrial policy and the dynamic adaptability of the market. Through empirical analysis and case study, this study points out that government‐led collaborative innovation and the continuous enhancement of local R&D capabilities are crucial driving forces for the industry's evolution. This study aims to provide theoretical and practical insights for the development of the global automotive industry and offer valuable experiences and references for other countries in the development of the NEV sector.