The co-evolution mechanism of policy mixes and innovation ecosystems: a case study of the new energy vehicle industry in China

Policy mixes have a pivotal effect on the context of innovation ecosystem (IE). However, few studies investigate the relationship between policy mixes and IEs. This study explores the co-evolution process and driving forces of policy mixes and IEs using the case of China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry. The results show that this process can be divided into four phases: layout, consolidation, optimisation, and redirection. The driving forces of the co-evolution come from both policy mixes and the IE, including the pull of value adoption, the push of co-innovation, the guidance of policy strategy, the boost of policy instruments and the promotion of policy processes, and different forces play leading roles in different phases. The enlightenment is that policymakers should consider the evolution phases and the main driving forces of each phase.