Reflections on China and a six‐dimensional framework for managing research and development

Abstract

PurposeThere are continuing efforts by Chinese institutions to improve their approach to the management of research and development (R&D) within the national and global arenas. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for managing R&D in China.Design/methodology/approachThe framework is derived from a review of two OECD reports, three books and 15 recently published articles in scholarly journals (1977‐2008) all of which are mainly related to the structure and organisation of research in foreign‐owned and Chinese research institutes.FindingsIn this paper, issues in the literature are identified and arranged in themes in order to discover key lessons about the management of R&D. The result of the analysis is a hybrid six‐dimensional model incorporating open innovation, connecting with the world, knowledge management, a public approach, balanced development and communities of inquiry.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework emphasises a base of shrewd economic expansion supported by intelligent fiscal policies used as a basic building block that can be emulated within R&D in China and more broadly.Practical implicationsPractical applications include a structure for cross‐cultural analysis of R&D management to identify the mix of key elements and how this might augment success, build global empathy, foster deeper cooperation in R&D management and create inclusive competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new framework emanating from the synthesis of elements identified in the literature as being important to R&D management that can be applied by Chinese and foreign owned firms at a global level.