Improving the Innovative Performance of Renewable Energy Enterprises in China: Effects of Subsidy Policy and Intellectual Property Legislation

Xiaofeng Xu, Xiangyu Chen, Yi Xu, Tao Wang and Yifan Zhang
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Xiaofeng Xu: International School of Law and Finance, East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai 200042, China
Xiangyu Chen: International School of Law and Finance, East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai 200042, China
Yi Xu: School of Economics and Management, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Tao Wang: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Yifan Zhang: Koguan School of Law, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-24

Abstract: Energy efficiency and emissions reductions are effective initiatives to address climate change and energy security. China has increased government subsidies and intellectual property protection (IPP) intensity to promote technological innovation in the renewable energy sector. This paper selects samples of geothermal, wind, and solar energy companies and examines whether the two initiatives mentioned above can improve company innovation, and assesses their action pathways. The results reveal that: (i) government subsidies can directly facilitate renewable energy enterprises’ innovative performance, and research and development (R&D) input served as a medium; and (ii) the intensity of IPP moderation needed for geothermal and solar enterprises to utilize the government subsidy to enhance innovation. The government should consider the differences of different sub-sectors of renewable energy when increasing subsidies. Better laws and policies are needed to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights and stimulate innovation in renewable energy enterprises.

Keywords: government subsidy; renewable energy industry; intellectual property protection; innovative performance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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