Triple Helix Synergy Model in China's new technology diplomacy: Perspectives from AI startups

Yujun Lin, Yuqi Lin, Junbo Liu, Zhaoyang Tan and Weihang Han

Telecommunications Policy, 2026, vol. 50, issue 1

Abstract: Although new technology diplomacy and China's AI rise have drawn attention, academic research on the Chinese innovation ecosystem from the perspective of AI startups remains limited. This paper explores China's new technology diplomacy by proposing a Triple Helix Synergy Model (THSM), to analyze the dynamic interplay among government, industry, and academia in advancing AI innovation and geopolitical influence. Based on in-depth qualitative interviews with 23 AI startup executives, the analysis elucidates the structure of China's new technology diplomacy, highlighting the government's role as an ecosystem architect through multi-level governance, industries as conduits for global market expansion and standardization diplomacy, and universities as hubs for technological breakthroughs and international talent circulation. The discussion illustrates how the THSM, through strategic hybridization, aligns innovation with geopolitical goals to enhance ecosystem resilience. THSM represents a Chinese mode that strategically coordinates state, industry, and academia to integrate technological advancement with diplomatic objectives.

Keywords: Triple Helix Synergy Model; New technology diplomacy; AI startups; Innovation ecosystems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308596125001764
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:telpol:v:50:y:2026:i:1:s0308596125001764

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/30471/bibliographic
http://www.elsevier. ... /30471/bibliographic

DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2025.103079

Access Statistics for this article

Telecommunications Policy is currently edited by Erik Bohlin

More articles in Telecommunications Policy from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().