The Comparative Drivers of New Energy Vehicle Industry Development: A Multi-Theoretical Analysis of RCEP and OECD Countries under Green Transition Goals

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the divergent development trajectories of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry across regions, focusing on disparities in institutional environments, innovation capacity, and market readiness. Design/methodology/approach: Integrating Porter’s Diamond Model, Institutional Theory, and the National Innovation System (NIS) perspective, the study analyzes an unbalanced panel dataset of 18 RCEP and OECD countries (2013–2022) using fixed-effects and multiple-group comparative regression models. Findings: R&D intensity significantly enhances NEV performance, with a more pronounced effect in OECD countries. Conversely, policy support yields higher marginal returns in RCEP economies. Market size effects remain heterogeneous: OECD countries capitalize on consumer environmental consciousness, while RCEP nations leverage scale advantages. Research limitations/implications: The study is constrained by data gaps in emerging economies, a reliance on macro-level statistics, and simplified policy indices. Future research should utilize micro-firm data and quasi-experimental designs to refine causal mechanisms. Practical implications: RCEP economies should transition from subsidy-led growth to long-term innovation capabilities. OECD nations should focus on integrating consumer incentives with infrastructure optimization. Multinational firms must adopt differentiated localization and market-sequencing strategies based on regional maturity. Originality/value: This research contributes an integrated theoretical framework to explain cross-regional NEV heterogeneity. By employing comparative regression analysis, it empirically demonstrates coefficient asymmetry between RCEP and OECD contexts, offering region-specific pathways for the global green transition.