Global value chain upgrading effects of the renewable energy product trade network: A dual perspective of dynamic evolution and non-linear effects

Based on the social network analysis method and the trade data of renewable energy products among 58 countries, this study draws a global trade network topology map and explores the overall characteristics, characteristic distribution and country comparison of the trade network of renewable energy products. On this basis, it empirically tests the Global Value Chain (GVC) upgrading effect caused by the degree of centrality, connection strength, and heterogeneity of the trade network of renewable energy products. Results demonstrate that the degree of centrality, connection strength, and heterogeneity of the trade network of renewable energy products have significant value chain upgrading effects, and their effects vary due to different trade directions and industrial development stages. In the entire stage of industrial development, the effect of network degree centrality on the promotion of the value chain division of labour is gradually weakened, and the effects of connection strength and geographical concentration on the promotion of the value chain division of labour are inverted N-shaped and N-shaped, respectively. Further analysis shows that there is a significant threshold effect based on the level of economic development between the connection strength and heterogeneity of the trade network of renewable energy products and the value chain division status. The conclusions of this study provide a new perspective for a country to realize the high-end climbing of the renewable energy product value chain in combination with its own national conditions.