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Theories and Methods of Science of Science

Carbon Neutrality Technologies: Conceptual Dimensions, Func⁃ tional Category, and Structural System 

Huang Lucheng1,2 , Guo Xin1 , Miao Hong2 , Luo Xiaomei2 , Zhang Huizhao2 , Wu Yuduo2

(1.School of Economics and Management, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China; 2.College of  Economics and Management, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China)

Abstract: Carbon neutrality technologies represent the cornerstone of achieving global carbonneutrality goals and have emerged as a pivotal concept in technological innovation under the  backdrop of "climate change". As a key pathway to addressing global warming and resourceenvironment constraints, carbon neutrality technologies' theoretical exploration and practical ap⁃ plication are undergoing rapid development. However, existing research remains fragmented: the  theoretical frameworks are not fully defined and there are still ambiguities regarding technology  classification and functional boundaries. Therefore, synthesizing the academic discourse on car⁃ bon neutrality technologies and identifying points of consensus and divergence, is crucial for con⁃ structing a robust theoretical framework and advancing their practical development. Firstly, this paper clearly defines carbon neutrality technologies by analyzing their inherent  characteristics and the relationships between emissions reduction (reducing carbon emissions) and decarbonization. It highlights four key attributes of carbon neutrality technologies. These  technologies encompass a diverse set of pathways and methodologies rather than a singular ap⁃ proach, and their ultimate aim is to significantly reduce or completely offset greenhouse gas  emissions while ensuring sustainable economic and social development. Secondly, this study utilizes existing literature and technological advancements to explore  visualization techniques that elucidate the functional scope and structural components of carbon  neutrality technologies. The findings reveal that the current understanding of these technologies  often suffers from overlapping functions and ambiguous boundaries, particularly in distinguish⁃ ing between carbon emissions reduction and decarbonization technologies. To address this issue, the paper refines the categorization of carbon neutrality technologies into distinct tiers based on  their functions and objectives, enhancing the clarity of their compositional logic. This analysis  provides a unified framework for technologists and policymakers, offering clear guidance for fu⁃ ture technological innovation. Thirdly, based on a comprehensive review of existing research and classification systems, this paper proposes a new structural framework for carbon neutrality technologies, tailored to  meet the functional requirements of achieving carbon neutrality goals. The framework consists of  a dual-layer structure, comprising carbon emissions reduction technologies and decarbonization  technologies. Detailed analyses are conducted on the functional characteristics and synergistic  relationships between these two types of technologies, highlighting their respective strengths and  limitations in various application scenarios. Finally, this paper outlines the prospects and practical implications of carbon neutrality  technologies specifically in China. As technological advancements continue and international  collaboration deepens, China's research on carbon neutrality technologies is expected to achieve  significant breakthroughs by integrating global theoretical insights with local practical innova⁃ tions. This will enable China to provide its wisdom and solutions to addressing global climate  change. 

Key words: carbon neutrality technologies; carbon emissions reduction technologies; decar⁃ bonization technologies; negative emissions technologies; technological category