First-mover alliance: mission-oriented innovation policy implementation in Shenzhen’s low-altitude economy

Wangwang Zhou and Jian D Zhang

Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 647-662

Abstract: This article explores the implementation of mission-oriented innovation policy (MOIP) in China and examines how the vice-provincial Shenzhen delivers the novel low-altitude economy effectively. From the lens of the Chinese political economy, it highlights a first-mover alliance in which the local state works as a facilitator while leading private firms perform as consultants for integrating the government resources and industrial knowledge. This synergy forms a broader public–private partnership where high government commitment is an essential political foundation. With empirical studies of Shenzhen’s SF Express, Meituan and Heli-Eastern in developing urban air mobility, this research demonstrates how first-mover alliances implemented MOIP.

Keywords: mission-oriented innovation; urban air mobility; policy implementation; political economy; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society is currently edited by Judith Clifton, Anna Davies, Betsy Donald, Emil Evenhuis, Stefania Fiorentino (Associate Editor), Harry Garretsen, Meric Gertler, Amy Glasmeier, Mia Gray, Robert Hassink, Dieter Kogler, Michael Kitson, Linda Lobao, Charles van Marrewijk, Ron Martin, Peter Sunley, Peter Tyler and Chun Yang

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