Complex network analysis of transmission mechanism for sustainable incentive policies

Abstract

Existing research mainly focuses on the external impact of incentive policies of industrialized/manufactured construction (IMC). However, it is still unclear how the transmission mechanism among cities and regions of IMC incentive policies works in the process of formulation. To fill the knowledge gap, this study establishes a relationship matrix to propose the transmission-weighted complex network (TWCN). Degree distribution and clustering coefficient are used to calculate the transmission path and the transmission intensity of TWCN. The validation is based on data collected from 415 policy documents (2010-2018) and 2923 items from 181 nodes of the TWCN for IMC policies. The findings show that transmission path of IMC incentive policies is from the eastern coast of China to the central, western and northern regions. Fiscal and taxation incentives have the greatest intensity of spatial agglomeration in the transmission process. The results of the TWCN are consistent and conform to the scientific and rational expectations of research. Overall, the research outcomes are applicable to studies on sustainability policies in different fields, including sustainable construction, renewable energy, etc. Policy makers can implement the TWCN to recognize the performance and functions of different incentives and propose effective strategies to achieve sustainability.