The policy trajectory of dual-use technology integration governance in China: A sequential analysis of policy evolution

Promoting research, development, and application of dual-use technologies contributes to the coordinated achievement of national security and economic growth. Dual-use technology integration (DTI) governance is a transformation that promotes technology transfer across defense and civil systems. This study employed a policy evolution sequential analysis paradigm based on the dynamic evolution of policy mixes. The policy trajectory of DTI governance in China was examined from the perspective of socio-technical system transitions. Five main findings were identified. (1) Policy evolution has been affected by both endogenous and exogenous factors. (2) The core policy-issuing agencies have steadily transitioned from specialized to comprehensive agencies, and the complexity of the joint policy-issuing network has grown. (3) Policy targets coexist; however, the emphasis at each stage differs. (4) DTI policy mixes follow changes in key policy targets. (5) Policy topics undertake and complement previous and subsequent stages. Practical and theoretical contributions to dual-use technology, socio-technical system transition, and policy evolution are presented. Furthermore, we propose that future research be conducted to identify the common traits of policy evolution across nations or fields.