# Evolution of China's Building Energy Service Industry Based on Synergetic Theory
## 6 Discussions and Policy Implications
### Policy Suggestions for the BESI  
According to the above analysis, the development of the BESI can be divided into four stages, each dominated by different order parameters: the formation stage, the financial-support-oriented stage, the industry-standard-oriented stage, and the technology-innovation-oriented stage. To enter into the technology-innovation-oriented stage, the current policies should be enhanced, and new instruments can be introduced [53]. Recently, a series of national action plans, including Made in China 2025, Guidance on the Promotion of the Internet of Things, and the Three-Year Action Plan to Promote the Development of a New Generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Industry 2018-2020 contributed to addressing the State Council'sambition to make 'new-generation information technology' a strategic industry [54]. Technological innovation has been raised to an important position, thereby necessitating greater policy support [55]. As indicated by the aforementioned interpretation of synergism in the BESI, several aspects need to be strengthened in terms of technological innovation, including the capability of risk control and management, energy-saving certification systems, return on investment, and the capability of project implementation. Since the payback of an ESCO is largely determined by the amount of energy savings, technology and verification are of great significance [17]. Governments should regulate the energy savings verification system and create guidelines for different industry segments [56]. With the increasing attention to digitalization, the BESI should transform in accordance with the digital era. However, a lack of clear guidance and legal protection around data use, security, and privacy could discourage innovative applications and hinder ESCOs seeking to embrace smart digital technologies. It is essential for the government to set laws or industry regulations to protect data security and privacy. In addition, it is advisable for industrial associations to create an industrial platform for information sharing and industrial data analysis [57].  
Despite technological innovation, financial support and industry standards should also be emphasized. As revealed by the results, the industry structure, credit system, industry professionals, standard contracts, funding channels, the labor income level, and energy auditing are the key determinants. Other research has also demonstrated that there is distrust between stakeholders [17; 18; 19]. Thus, an industrial credit system should be structured to guarantee the successful implementation of ESCO projects. The standard contract has been generally systematized for all industries. A specific version for the building sector is needed since the energy consumption patterns are totally different between the building and industrial sectors [58]. Green financial instruments will be promoted instead of government subsidies with respect to funding channels [59]. China committed to lowering peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. All levels of government are devoted to this target. New modes can be developed by combing the EPC mode with carbon trading. Funding for reducing carbon emissions can also be accessed by ESCOs.