Taking the geographic information industry as the research object, using the authorized invention patent data, this paper puts forward the research method of industrial innovation chain structure based on the geographic information industry chain. Then, from the perspective of overall structure and specific regional structure, the development status of the innovation chain is quantitatively evaluated, which is helpful to all countries in the world. The structural integrity and leading links of the innovation chain especially in China, the United States and Japan are compared and analyzed. The results show that: (1) from the perspective of the overall structure, the global innovation chain presents an “inverted triangle” structure due to the weak innovation ability of downstream links. From the perspective of specific regional structure, the innovation chain of geographic information industry in most countries and regions is incomplete, and there are broken links or isolated links. The global innovation chain except China has cracks between the upstream and downstream due to the relative weakness of the midstream links, showing “hourglass-shaped” structure with a wide upper part, narrow lower part and narrow middle part. (2) Relatively speaking, China’s industrial innovation chain is relatively complete, and the midstream link has significant comparative advantages in the global market. However, the industry university research cooperation in the innovation chain is weak, the degree of marketization is low, and the technological competitiveness lags behind that of the United States.

Institutional thinking, a concept that underscores the importance of internal perspectives and the enduring purposes of institutions, plays a critical role in maintaining societal stability and ethical governance. This paper explores the dual nature of institutional thinking, highlighting its positive aspects and inherent dangers. Through an examination of economic, political, and philosophical forces, the paper identifies modern challenges that undermine long-term commitments and ethical values within institutions. By drawing on historical and contemporary examples, including slavery, Nazism, and discriminatory practices, the discussion provides a comprehensive understanding of how institutional thinking can both promote human well-being and perpetuate systemic issues. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need to reaffirm institutional values, promote long-term thinking, and balance individual rights with collective responsibilities to harness the positive aspects of institutional thinking while mitigating its risks.