Chinese S&T parks: the emergence of a new model

Abstract

PurposeChinese S&T parks are one component of the Chinese system of innovation which has emerged over the last 20 years; they are not simply a copy‐paste of the American model. This paper aims to focus on this topic.Design/methodology/approachDevelopments were inferred from an extensive literature review (in English, in Chinese and in French) that was completed by an archive research as well as interviews of heads of Chinese S&T parks.FindingsSix features make Chinese S&T parks different from what can be found elsewhere in the world: the Chinese people have the willingness to restore previous glory and share of the world economy; the Chinese government apparatus acts as the driving force with an overpowering impact; there are very few foreign companies in Chinese S&T parks – making those parks mostly inhabited by Chinese companies, but returnees play a significant role; an astonishing scale when benchmarked to European references; the greening of business has emerged as a new and powerful driver; and an evolutionary process is leading to the transformation of China into an innovative country.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper stands more as an essay reflecting the authors' understanding of the Chinese situation and, as such, it may be subjectively biased.Practical implicationsAs Western managers are now considering China as a possible place to carry R&D, this paper helps them to get a better understanding of the features of the specific locations where they might implement their R&D labs.Originality/valueThe emergence of China as a technological country is a recent phenomenon. The authors have identified no such analysis in the published literature.

A study on the role of science and technology parks in development of knowledge-based economy

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Technological innovation capabilities, product strategy, and firm performance: The electronics industry in China

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