Research on the Dissipative Evolution of the Regional Digital Innovation Ecosystem from the Perspective of Symbiosis Theory

Xuejiao An and Lei Tong ()
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Xuejiao An: School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Lei Tong: School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-23

Abstract: Constructing the regional digital innovation ecosystem is not merely a strategic response to the global digital transformation but also an essential driver for fostering high-quality regional development. From the perspective of symbiosis and in combination with the theory of dissipative structure, and the evaluation index system of “digital innovation investment – digital innovation environment ” framework is constructed. Then, the evolution of the regional digital innovation ecosystem, characterized by dissipative processes, is analyzed using the “global entropy–catastrophe progression” evaluation model. Through empirical analysis of the dissipative evolution of digital innovation ecosystems across 30 Chinese provinces between 2013 and 2023, this study revealed that: (1) In the sample areas, the digital innovation ecosystem’s dynamic evolution meets the conditions required for forming a dissipative structure. (2) The level of digital innovation dissipation in the sample areas has generally shown an upward trend year by year. Still, no dissipation structure was formed during the research period. (3) There is an evolutionary trajectory from the third quadrant to the second quadrant and finally to the first quadrant is often shown by the two-dimensional framework of a “digital innovation investment-digital innovation environment” in the sample areas. Both the digital innovation environment and investment evaluation values exhibit an increased tendency. The results play a key role in strengthening China’s digital innovation ecosystem and promoting long-term social development.

Keywords: regional digital innovation ecosystem; symbiosis theory; dissipative structure; Brusselator model; dissipative evolution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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