The governance mechanism of technology standard innovation ecosystem in joint construction of the Belt and Road projects: An exploratory case study of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive CO.,LTD.

Zhang Yue, Mu Yu, Zheng Wanteng

Science Research Management ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (3) : 179-188.

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Science Research Management ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (3) : 179-188. DOI: 10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.03.018  CSTR: 32148.14.kygl.2026.03.018

The governance mechanism of technology standard innovation ecosystem in joint construction of the Belt and Road projects: An exploratory case study of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive CO.,LTD.

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Abstract

Enhancing the global influence of Chinese enterprises in technology standards is crucial for achieving high-level S&T self-reliance. This study applied the network orchestration theory to explore how CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co.,Ltd. has contributed to integrating standards along the Belt and Road Initiative. The study found that: (1) The evolution of the technology standards innovation ecosystem in the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative shows clear stage-based characteristics. During the iterative process of "incubation-expansion-stable development," the dependency on network relationships and the level of technological complementarity gradually increase. The ecosystem follows a trajectory that evolves from localized pilot projects to global coordination. (2) The network orchestration practices of core enterprises play a critical role in the implementation of governance mechanisms within the ecosystem. These practices consist of three key components: legal coupling exploration,innovation leverage management,and network ecosystem expansion. The study identified a shift in governance from a single-firm-dominant to co-governance. (3) The governance logic of the jointly developed Belt and Road technology standard innovation ecosystem shows a transition from legitimization logic to integration logic. This study has developed a theoretical framework that extends application of the network orchestration theory in a multi-national context. It has also explored how Chinese enterprises navigate technological breakthroughs and standard-setting under the pressures of Sino-US technological decoupling.

Key words

Belt and Road Initiative / technology standard innovation ecosystem / network orchestration / governance / integration logic

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Zhang Yue , Mu Yu , Zheng Wanteng. The governance mechanism of technology standard innovation ecosystem in joint construction of the Belt and Road projects: An exploratory case study of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive CO.,LTD.[J]. Science Research Management. 2026, 47(3): 179-188 https://doi.org/10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.03.018

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