Emerald | Journal of Science and Technology Policy in China | Table of Contents

The impact of alliance network structure on firm innovation capability: An empirical study of ten high-tech industries in China

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Xiangjie Zheng, Yan Zhao) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of large-scale collaboration network structure on firm innovation capability. Design/methodology/approach – The authors utilize negative binomial regression models to explore the relationships between network structure and patent productivity. Findings – Results demonstrate that firms embedded in alliance networks with higher reach will have greater innovative output, but fail to support the higher clustering enhances innovative productivity significantly, which is different from recent concerns regarding positive effects of higher clustering on patent output. The authors also find that the effect of alliance network as a conduit of knowledge transfer decays over time. Furthermore, both clustering and reach have mutually positive effects on the firm innovation with increases in the other. Practical implications – Network structure attribute should be considered adequately when firms develop alliance activities and when relevant government departments make industrial policies. Originality/value – This paper aims to fill the gap in the literature by providing the first systematic research of the impact of large-scale collaboration network structure on firm innovation in China, and exploring the implications for firms to develop alliance activities and for relevant government departments to make industrial policies. This paper adds new evidence to the topic that alliance network is an important mechanism of knowledge spillover in China.

Regional strategies for developing emerging industries of strategic importance in China

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Min Lin, Yi Wang, Guisheng Wu) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to find the specific competitive industries in emerging industries of strategic importance of each province in China in order to provide references for industrial cultivation and development. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses quantitative analysis methods on RCA and R&D efficiency. Findings – Different provinces have specific competitive emerging industries of strategic importance. Taking biotechnology, equipment manufacturing, and new generation of information technology industry as examples, this paper finds: for the advanced equipment manufacturing industry, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Tianjin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang and Jiangxi provinces have obvious characteristics and relatively high R&D efficiency; for bio-technology, Jiangsu, Henan, Jiangxi, Hunan, Zhejiang and Shandong provinces have obvious characteristics and relatively high R&D efficiency; and for the next generation of the information technology industry, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Fujian, Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai provinces have obvious characteristics and relatively high R&D efficiency. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited by lack of industrial comprehensiveness so that more statistical data about emerging industry of strategic importance is needed for more in-depth analysis. Practical implications – The identification of specific competitive emerging industry of strategic importance of each province will give managers and policy makers train of thought for the cultivation and development of strategic emerging industry and make future policies more targeted. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the research on the differentiated cultivation and development tactics of strategic emerging industry by, respectively, finding out the specific competitive emerging industries of each province in China.

Institutional entrepreneurship and policy learning in China

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Shulin Gu) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – This work aims to address source and dynamics of institutional change. It seeks to develop analytic tools by adaptation of Schumpeterian notion on entrepreneurship, Nelson's work on basic institutions and specific institutions, and Nonaka's middle-up-down framework of knowledge management in contrast to top-down process. Pragmatically it attempts to understand how to improve policy capacity that challenges China seriously. Design/methodology/approach – The work adopts a detailed case study method. A paired case is chosen with the criteria that they have widespread impact in China, and are representative of general and specific institutional change, respectively. Data came from mixed sources: field work and publications. Comparison of the paired cases identifies similarities and differences of different institutional change. Findings – Similarities in the cases are in the important role of institutional entrepreneurs, crucial necessity of field experimentation, and regulatory and legislative means of knowledge processing. Differences are that centralized “top-down” process of knowledge development, together with committed and centrally guided field experimentation, characterizes general institutional change. In contrast, coordinated and distributed “middle-up-down” process, together with autonomously emerged creation at the grassroots, characterizes specific institutional change. Research limitations/implications – This is a new research area. Many more empirical and theoretical works are needed. Practical implications – As to how China should improve policy capacity, the study indicates: to focus policy learning on specific parts and facets of institutional settings; to change policy-makers' role from omni-competent controller to catalyst/promoter of institutional change; to assign an active role to middle levels and allow broader participation and diverse experimentations. Originality/value – The author explores interesting details of institutional entrepreneurship and institutional changes based on the two case studies. This work fills the gap of how to analyze institutional change from the innovation/innovation systems perspective.

Mainstream and new-stream patterns for indigenous innovation in China: Evidence from local manufacturing firms

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Bin Zhu, Wei-qiang Ou) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – The paper aimed to summarize innovative rules of Chinese manufacturing enterprises, and put forward some insights in optimal allocation of innovation resources and enhancing the capability of indigenous innovation, so as to overcome the innovation dilemma. Design/methodology/approach – Having diagnosed the current research of innovation flows, the authors defined the concept and stated characteristics of mainstream and new-stream innovation. Innovation life cycle theory and technology trajectory theory were used to map two evolution patterns of mainstream and new-stream innovation. It took weeks to stay in firms to obtain original data and interview managers, engineers, and mechanists. From the case study the authors proposed the improvement projects and opportunities for firms to overcome the “innovation dilemma”. Findings – In the indigenous innovation process, enterprises should breed new-stream innovation as they strengthen the mainstream innovation, view the new-stream technology as the innovation direction, and fulfill the constant innovation in the convergent innovation and replace evolution process. Meanwhile, enterprises should take precautions both to expand and develop, and fulfill technology transition and innovation upgrade through convergent innovation. Furthermore, firms' convergent innovation, which will finally achieve the “projects-talents-products-markets” collaborative innovation, should be clear about target market and project-oriented, take the product as the carrier, and be committed to cultivate creative talents and innovative teams. Originality/value – This paper enriches the existing theory on indigenous innovation by introducing the new concept of mainstream and new-stream innovation. The findings would help firms to jump out from the innovation morass.

2012 Awards for Excellence

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000