How trading patterns of critical minerals affects the NEV industry? A complex network and multiple regression analysis approach

The development of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry is intrinsically linked to the availability of critical mineral resources, with notable disparities in the accessibility and distribution of these resources across the global trade network. To investigate the impact of critical mineral trade patterns on the NEV industry, this study constructs a global critical mineral trade network spanning the period from 2013 to 2023, employing a complex network methodology to quantitatively analyze its evolution characteristics. A dynamic econometric model is subsequently applied to assess the influence of these trade patterns on the NEV industry's growth, with particular attention to the mediating role of technological advancement. The findings of this study indicate that: Agusdinata et al. (2022) (1) the global trade network for critical minerals is characterized by an expanding scale, structural stability, and low density, exhibiting the traits of a “small-world” network; Alam et al. (2022) (2) trade strength and centrality within the network significantly bolster the development of national NEV industry, with technological progress serving as a key intermediary; Bai et al. (2024) (3) technological advancement fully mediates the relationship between critical mineral trade and the growth of the NEV industry. In light of these findings, the article proposes a series of policy recommendations aimed at enhancing resource utilization and fostering sustainable industry development.