Technology uncertainty and technology sourcing: case study of biopharmaceuticals in China

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate how Chinese pharmaceutical companies facing technology uncertainty of biopharmaceutical make their decisions of technology sourcing. Through case study of seven representative biopharmaceuticals in China, three types of technology sourcing are identified: type A: Sourcing from internal; type B: Sourcing from internal and external cooperation; type C: Sourcing from external. These three types reflect consistent dynamics between starting point and entry model. Moreover, it demonstrates the impact of technology uncertainty on technology sourcing.