Abstract:    The critical role of leading enterprises in the new national system for tackling key problems is becoming increasingly evident. Consequently, the formation and enhancement of their capabilities to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies require urgent attention and response. This study focused on the specific practices of Fangda Carbon, a leading enterprise in the carbon industry, in developing breakthrough capabilities for key core technologies during the advancement of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor graphite core components. It summarized the dynamic evolutionary mechanisms underlying the development of such capabilities in leading enterprises. The research found that: (1) The formation of breakthrough capabilities in key core technologies involves two stages: generation of phased objectives and assignment of corresponding meanings. By setting objectives tailored to different contexts and assigning matching significance, enterprises shape the necessary cognitive foundation for breakthrough capabilities. (2) The leap in breakthrough capabilities relies on the dynamic transformation of sensemaking modes, which evolve from "authoritative" to "inspirational" and then to "expansive" stages. Correspondingly, breakthrough capabilities progress through the "functional", "performance", and "architectural" phases. (3) The driving force behind the evolution of breakthrough capabilities is the enterprise′s sense of mission. This study will provide theoretical insights for improving China′s overall capacity for technological breakthroughs and accelerating the development of new quality productive forces.

Key words: leading enterprise, breakthrough capability in key core technology, sensemaking, case study