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Regional Science & Technology and Innovation

"Competitive Selection Mechanism" Modes for Tackling Key  Technologies: A Multi-case Study from Zhejiang Province 

Yao Wei1, 2 , Qian Shengfan1, 2 , Xie Wengang1, 2

(1.School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; 2.Institute of China's Science, Tech⁃ nology and Education Policy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

Abstract: To address the persistent challenges of government-enterprise demand misalign⁃ ment, insufficient market engagement, and low efficiency of technology transfer within key re⁃ search projects, this study investigates the "Competitive Selection Mechanism" (an open compe⁃ tition mechanism to select the best candidates) in Zhejiang Province. Grounded in collaborative  governance theory, we construct a three-dimensional analytical framework comprising "Actor  Relationships-Organizational Boundaries-Collaborative Rules" to systematically decode the op⁃ erational mechanisms and innovation pathways of diversified modes. This framework aims to ex⁃ tract feasible institutional optimization strategies for deepening reform of scientific and techno⁃ logical systems, thereby providing empirical evidence for optimizing national key research proj⁃ ects' paradigms. A comparative multi-case analysis was conducted on three representative  modes in Zhejiang Province: the Platform-driven mode in Jinhua, which leverages digital gover⁃ nance for demand-supply matching; the Consortium-driven mode in Shaoxing where industry in⁃ novation consortia are anchored by anchor enterprises for tackling common technologies; the  Event-driven mode in Ningbo, promoting open innovation through competition-based ecosys⁃ tems. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, policy text  analysis and field surveys to triangulate data validity and reliability. The results indicate the fol⁃ lowing: ① The study identifies distinctive operational mechanisms of diversified modes. Platform-driven Mode (Jinhua) is centered on a "Competitive Selection Cloud Platform", helping  the government construct a digital collaborative network to reduce matching costs. Consortiumdriven Mode (Shaoxing), led by anchor enterprises, such as China Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine  Group, establishes industrial innovation consortia focused on tackling common technologies, with a patent authorization pool that mandates the sharing of key technologies among members. Event-driven Mode (Ningbo) utilizes a "Competition-as-Evaluation" mechanism that leverages  challenges to build open ecosystems, providing ex-post incentives. ②Institutional innovation via  a three-dimensional framework, including actor relationships, organizational boundaries, and  collaborative rules. The government shifts from a dominator to a rule-setter or platform architect, while anchor enterprises lead industrial synergy. Demand-setting transitions from government to  enterprises or consortia, while interests are balanced via markets or patent pools. Furthermore, digital tools cut costs, interest-binding enhances collaboration, and competitions energize eco⁃ systems. ③Solutions proposed: hierarchical demand design, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and  data-driven decision-making. This study validates the "Competitive Selection Mechanism" as a  paradigm shift beyond traditional key technologies tackling systems. By adapting modes to re⁃ gional endowments, such as digital governance (Jinhua), industrial synergy (Shaoxing), and open  ecology (Ningbo), the proposed pathways (including hierarchical demands and patent pools) offer  theoretical and practical insights for optimizing national key technologies tackling paradigms. 

Key words: Competitive Selection Mechanism; tackling key technologies; innovation consor⁃ tium; inducement prizes; "horse racing" system; era of digital intelligence; innovation of scien⁃ tific research paradigms; industrial community