Miao, J.; Shen, G. Q.; Fan, H. and Wang, G. (2026) Governing cross-regional collaborative innovation in construction: Evolutionary game insights from complex adaptive systems. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, pp. 1-27. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to reveal the dynamic evolutionary mechanisms of cross-regional collaborative innovation in construction (CRCIC), analyze the strategic interactions between project owners (POs) and cross-regional project teams (CRPTs), and identify key factors influencing CRCIC stability and diffusion. Design/methodology/approach – Integrating complex adaptive systems (CAS) with evolutionary game theory (EGT), this research constructs an analytical framework operationalizing key factors as multi-level variables. Multi-scenario numerical simulations are employed to analyze the impacts of these factors on system evolutionary paths and stable equilibria. Findings – The bilateral proactive innovation equilibrium emerges from multiple interacting factors. Key findings reveal: (1) System evolution exhibits strong path dependency, making initial governance critical; (2) Synergy coupling degree shows an inverted U-shaped effect on innovation diffusion, with moderate levels optimizing stability; (3) Network scale's positive effects are moderated by synergy coupling, requiring deepened cooperation quality before scale expansion; (4) Policy instrument effectiveness exhibits agent heterogeneity, with differentiated incentive-constraint combinations proving more effective; and (5) Policy effectiveness depends substantially on agents' policy perception, which mediates the translation of institutional signals into behavioral changes. Originality/value – Methodologically, this study proposes and validates a CAS-EGT framework unifying institutional, network, and behavioral relationships. Practically, it illustrates key variable impacts through case-calibrated simulations, providing policymakers, POs, and CRPTs with phased, differentiated governance strategies to enhance cross-regional project innovation capabilities.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | complex adaptive system; cross-regional collaborative innovation; evolutionary game model; parameter sensitivity simulation |
| Index terms: | agent, methodology, effectiveness, interaction, stability, complex adaptive system, analytical framework, evolutionary game, owner, numerical simulation, cooperation, coupling, strategy, innovation diffusion, governance, evolution, path dependency, synergy, project team, policy instrument |
| Subjects: | project delivery, management, economic theory, partnership management, research methods, systems engineering, strategic management, policy studies, business, environmental science, psychology, structural engineering, data analysis and analytics, modelling and simulation, practitioner, sociology, performance management, behavioral psychology |
| Topics: | Governance, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Business Strategy, Quality Management, Engineering Principles, Organizational Design, Project Management, Research Practice, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here