• Energy Research

When the resources of a focal organization are limited, strengthening the capability of sustainable performance by building up an ecosystem through cooperation is a good choice. When venture capital firms invest in sustainable projects, due to the non-rival and non-exclusive features of sustainable projects, venture capital firms that have built up the cooperation ecosystem can invite more investors to join the sustainable projects. This article analyzes what factors venture capital firms take into consideration when building relations to nurture sustainable investment ecosystems. The quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) method is used to explore how Chinese venture capital firms build up the syndication ecosystems. We conclude that very dominant venture capital firms like to cooperate with venture capital firms that have brokerage benefits and proper positions in the cluster to gain sustainable development. This article indicates that venture capital firms can build up syndication ecosystems by obtaining opportunities from indirect ties.

Abstract Successful policy-making for an emerging industry relies on two key factors: adopting a scientific perspective and accurately forecasting the policy's potential effects. By combining Mitchell's score-based approach and expert grading method, this paper identifies the key stakeholders of the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industry, and proposes a key stakeholder-based policy research framework (G-MIC: Government — Manufacturers, Infrastructure, Consumers). Furthermore, a system dynamics (SD) model is outlined, focusing on financial subsidy (FS) policy and the three groups of programs that are set to simulate level of FS, FS allocation, and the demand for realizing the CAO (Civilian Auto Ownership) goal of the Chinese EV industry by 2020. The findings reveal that the following show that a key stakeholder perspective is a better approach to policy research; the SD model constructed under the G-MIC framework extends the methodology of SD; and a “bottom-up” policy-making path is more likely to improve policy outcomes.

The paper develops the structure of business ecosystems, operating mechanisms and integrated configuration models by examining multiple case studies of electric vehicle (EV) producers in China and the EU (Germany, France and Denmark). The EV ecosystem can be categorized into four paradigms using a target market (mainstream or niche innovation) and growth context (advanced economies or emerging economies). These four paradigms are advanced mainstream, advanced niche, emerging mainstream and emerging niche. This research also explores three key operating mechanisms with which to organize EV business ecosystems, namely vision developing, platform organizing and institution re-configuring. As a latecomer,compared with western paradigms, the development of Chinese EV industry is more openly engaged with vision development, platform organization and institution reconfiguration, such as government regulation.

Abstract This paper explores how carbon traders nurture the business ecosystem to sustain the emerging carbon trading industry development. We collected primary data from a multinational carbon trader and its ecosystem partners in China, through the construction of interviews and documentary. The research findings show the carbon trading industry has experienced four-stage evolution with different driving forces; the carbon trader attracted and organized ecosystem partners to facilitate the CDM project owners to create carbon credits and trade them; a systematic business ecosystems approach through the lens of Context, Cooperation and Configuration, initiated by carbon traders, has facilitated the industry development. Our findings also implicate to industrial practitioners and policymakers for sustaining the emerging industry development at both the current- and the post-Kyoto protocol periods.

Abstract Urban transformation is vital to global sustainable development as humans increasingly come to dwell in cities. Within cities, the mobility sector promises the highest potential of carbon emission reduction. The disruptive business innovation brought about by the advent of app-based smart-sharing systems is emancipating collaborative consumption of mobility at larger and deeper scales, ranging from car-pooling, expanded electric vehicle (EV) use to bike-sharing. Synchronizing the existing yet under-realized low-carbon transport modes in cities, such as public transport, with emerging and diversifying app-based sharing mobility business models, offers huge potential to transform urban mobility toward sustainability. Yet, the rapid business expansion and innovation of the sharing mobility companies have profoundly challenged existing socio-economic relationships, knowledge systems and physical infrastructures in cities. This study explores the synergy between the social-ecological innovation in the sharing economy and the sustainable development of urban systems, using empirical data from three business cases in the emerging sharing mobility sector – in modes of ride-sharing, EV-sharing and bike-sharing - of Shanghai, China. It indicates that there is a strong co-evolution mechanism between the transformation towards more sustainable city at the macro-level and the business ecosystem innovation towards greener and smarter transport at the meso-level. We argue that the two level transformations, triggered by the disruptive innovation of the sharing economy and led by urban transformation towards sustainability, mutually influence each other and re-enforce sustainable values and practices in the fast changing urban context and business innovations in Shanghai.

The business ecosystem has provided a new paradigm for management research. Most research in the field has focused on profit-driven industries, neglecting the area of the circular economy. This research sets out to capture the mechanisms that the leading firm in the circular economy uses to govern its business ecosystem. The research strategy adopted is a longitudinal case study of the largest glass recycling company in Taiwan, Spring Pool Glass. Our findings illustrate that continuous value capture is the key to governing a sustainable business ecosystem in the glass recycling industry. The mechanisms include continuous value capture to enter new markets, using stakeholder networks to enlarge the business ecosystem, brand image and corporate social responsibility, company capabilities and research and development in the recycling process, and reacting to government policy.

Abstract Biofuel is considered to be a promising solution to the energy and environmental challenges in the transport sector. However, there are few studies focusing on the current status, future potential, policy framework, barriers and opportunities of biofuel development in China, these are analyzed in this study. This study finds that China has been promoting biofuel commercialization with multiple measures, including framing national strategy, initiating demonstration programs, providing financial incentives, and establishing national standards. However, due to technology and market barriers, the actual commercialization scale is far lower than previously projected. Accordingly, it is recommended that the development of non-plantation resource-based biofuel should be given high priority, while plantation resource-based biofuel should be developed with caution. Meanwhile, technology innovation for increasing production efficiency and reduce cost is essential for strengthening biofuel market competitiveness. Subsequently, mandatory legal and policy system for regulating the biofuel industry in China should be established, which can effectively engage different stakeholders in promoting biofuel development. Regarding fuel ethanol, the trade price between the fuel ethanol producers and the oil companies should be further adjusted. As for biodiesel, the illegal utilization of waste oil should be strictly prohibited, which can help to increase the feedstock supply, as well as bring down the price. Last but not the least, the financial incentives for biofuel production should also be optimized.