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Diffusion of Innovations Perspective on the International Social Media Communication of China's Geographical Indication Products: A Case Study of Panzhihua City, Sichuan Province

Jingbo Li

Abstract

Geographical Indication (GI) products bridge regional cultural heritage and economic development, yet Chinese exports exhibit a stark product-brand divide characterized by substantial trade growth and marginal international visibility. Applying Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory, this single-case study of Panzhihua City identifies systemic barriers across the innovation- decision process, including deficits in narrative construction, official channel management, and cross-cultural adaptation. Accordingly, this paper proposes four targeted strategies: reconstructing cultural narratives to amplify relative advantage, localizing content to mitigate complexity, deploying a multi-platform social media matrix to enhance trialability and observability, and instituting evidence-based evaluation mechanisms. These findings offer actionable insights for GI branding in developing economies.

Keywords

Diffusion of Innovations Theory; Geographical Indication (GI) Products; Social Media; International Communication; Panzhihua City

References

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