Mapping the Dynamics Behind Breakthrough Innovations in China’s Energy Sector: The Evolution of Research Foci and Collaborative Networks

The energy sector profoundly influences both economic growth and ecosystems, making it pivotal to human development. Substantial evidence confirms that scientific and technological innovations, particularly breakthrough achievements, are key drivers of sustainable development in this sector. Consequently, comprehending the evolutionary trajectory of such breakthroughs is crucial for policymakers and practitioners to refine their strategic approaches. To analyze the evolution of energy-related breakthrough innovations, this study leverages a dataset of 552 projects awarded China’s State Science and Technology Advancement Prize. By employing large language models and word cloud analysis, we trace the shifting research priorities of the 552 projects to delineate the pathway of scientific and technological development in the energy sector. Furthermore, we utilize social network analysis to reveal the evolving collaboration patterns underlying these innovations. Our findings indicate that, consistent with China’s current energy consumption structure, most innovations remain concentrated in fossil fuels. However, a clear trend emerges: research is focusing less on fossil fuels and more on clean energy and high efficiency equipment. Regarding collaborative innovation, the pattern in China differs from that of countries like the United States; in China, universities, rather than enterprises, occupy the central position in innovation networks. The insights from this study can assist government officials in designing effective policies to support breakthrough innovations across different types of research entities. Moreover, research entities can adjust their collaboration strategies based on our findings to enhance innovation performance.