ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Evolution of the Innovation Network of
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Technologies
in China from the Perspective of Patents
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1
Institute of International Business & Economics Innovation and Governance, Shanghai University of International
Business and Economics, Shanghai, China
2
School of Global Governance, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, Shanghai, China
3
CEEC Economic and Trade Cooperation Institute, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
4
School of Economics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
5
School of Economics and Management, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
6
Institute of Digital Economy and Financial Powerhouse Building, Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou, China
7
Graduate School, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan, Philippines
Submission date: 2024-10-23
Final revision date: 2025-02-19
Acceptance date: 2025-03-17
Online publication date: 2025-04-16
Publication date: 2026-04-21
Corresponding author
Hao Hu
School of Economics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
Yufeng Chen
School of Economics and Management, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2026;35(2):2903-2916
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
This study aims to characterize the evolution of the innovation network of lithium-ion battery
recycling technologies in China in terms of network structure and influential factors, using social
network analysis and GeoDetector based on patent data from 2004 to 2023. The following findings
are established. First, the network exhibited a small-world effect, changed from a loose to a dense
structure, and developed into a dual-core radial structure. Leading firms in lithium-ion battery recycling
technologies have established relatively stable internal cooperation. The network experienced the
embryonic stage, the initial exploration stage, and the developmental exploration stage, and is now in the
intensive exploration stage. The network connections were dense in eastern China but sparse in western
China. Second, in terms of industry–university–research cooperation, the main core was industry–
industry cooperation, with industry–university and industry–research cooperation also occupying
important positions. Universities and research institutes served as “transit stations” in technological
innovation. Third and lastly, China’s innovation network of lithium-ion battery recycling technologies
was influenced by economic development, tertiary industry development, household consumption,
government intervention, and higher education. This study clarifies the technological accumulation and evolution in the field of lithium battery recycling in China, providing insights into the construction and
governance of an innovation development system for the lithium battery recycling industry.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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