Navigating the low-altitude economy: stakeholder perceptions and ecosystem implications of UAM in China

Urban Air Mobility (UAM), particularly passenger-oriented electric vertical take-off and landing services, is increasingly promoted as part of future urban transport, but its adoption depends on coordination among regulators, engineers, operators, investors and researchers. This study develops an ecosystem-oriented framework integrating socio-technical transition theory, innovation ecosystem theory and a flying electric Mobility-as-a-Service perspective. A PESTLE-based survey of 149 stakeholders in Jiangsu Province, China, was analysed using K-modes clustering and exploratory factor analysis. The results show limited baseline familiarity with UAM and substantial heterogeneity in perceived drivers and barriers. Four attitudinal profiles were identified: proactive supporters, highly cautious stakeholders, policy-trusting stakeholders and technologically neutral stakeholders. Factor analysis revealed four underlying dimensions: technological performance and system safety, policy guidance and economic incentives, public acceptance and market awareness, and environmental sustainability. Stakeholder roles were associated with different priorities, with governance actors placing greater emphasis on policy support and technical stakeholders expressing stronger implementation concerns. The findings indicate that scalable UAM deployment requires predictable governance, transparent safety assurance, evidence-based decision support and user-centred service integration. This study provides quantitative evidence on stakeholder heterogeneity and coordination needs for UAM adoption in China.