Promoting green ICT in China: A framework based on innovation system approaches

Green ICT is a key enabler of a green economy. To aid policy makers in promoting green ICT at the national level, this paper proposes a comprehensive understanding of green ICT from the perspective of green innovation and develops an analytical framework based on innovation system approaches. Following the framework, policy makers can identify the critical system failures of a green ICT innovation system by assessing the key structural components of the system and, hence, formulate policies to solve them. The framework is used to analyze the green ICT innovation system in China. The findings indicate several critical system failures that hamper the development and diffusion of green ICT in China. Accordingly, policies are suggested to address the failures. This paper aids in the understanding of green ICT and contributes to the development of systematic approaches to formulating green ICT strategies. The Chinese experiences provide practical implications, which can be considered by other countries for reference. ► Green ICT can be regarded as green innovations of ICT and enabled by ICT. ► Innovation system approaches are applied to formulating green ICT policies. ► An analytical framework for promoting green ICT is developed. ► The green ICT innovation system in China is analyzed based on the framework. ► Green ICT policy making needs cross-sector perspective and systematic approaches.