The evolution of China’s wind power industry innovation network from the perspective of multidimensional proximity

The wind power industry (WPI), plays a crucial role in the reduction of global carbon emissions. Using SNA and the QAP model, this paper is aimed at investigating the impact mechanism of China's WPI innovation network from the perspective of multidimensional proximity while also summarising the trends in its evolution. The research has empirically demonstrated that the WPI innovation network has a progressively complex topology with an increase in network centrality and an increasing number of industry-university-research collaborations. The influence of multi-dimensional proximity on the evolution of China's WPI innovation network is significant, and the effect of proximity varies based on its type and stage. Moreover, technology leadership and policy support have emerged as critical driving forces for the development of the WPI innovation network. The effect of proximity provides a reference for countries to introduce the WPI.