TITLE:
Text Analysis of Policy Coherence between the Central Government and the Provincial Governments in the New Energy Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
AUTHORS:
Mingyue Li, Binxing Hu, Jiajun Shen, Yunxuan Li, Ying Li
KEYWORDS:
New Energy Vehicles, Charging Infrastructure, Policy Themes, Central and Local Policies
JOURNAL NAME:
Technology and Investment,
Vol.14 No.4,
September
21,
2023
ABSTRACT: In the context of China’s burgeoning new energy
vehicle industry, the development of charging infrastructure plays a pivotal
role. This study examines 648 new energy vehicle charging infrastructure
policies enacted by central and provincial governments between 2012 and 2022,
investigating the alignment between central and local policies in terms of
thematic focus and policy synergies. Concerning policy themes, the coherence
between central and local policies is evaluated through the analysis of
high-frequency words and the construction of co-word networks. The analysis of
policy coherence involves a two-dimensional framework that considers Policy
tools and objectives, employing fuzzy mathematics to measure the degree of
coherence. This research sheds light on the current status and challenges in
the formulation of policies related to new energy vehicle charging
infrastructure. Notable findings include the congruence of core principles
between central and regional policies, albeit variations in the distribution of
thematic content and high-frequency terms. Regarding policy coherence,
supply-based policies in each region exhibit alignment with central policies,
while disparities emerge in the coherence of environmental and demand-based
tools. The central and eastern regions display strong coherence with central
policy objectives, whereas the northeastern and western regions require
improved alignment, particularly in aspects like technological quality,
operational efficiency, and planning. The policy analysis underscores future
pathways: provincial governments can take action through environment and
demand-oriented policies, enhancing collaboration with the central government.
Adapting policies to local nuances and flexibly aligning them with regional
characteristics ensures the effective implementation of policies on the ground.