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R&D of Multinationals in China: Structure, Motivations and Regional Difference

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  • Kazuyuki Motohashi

Abstract

In this paper, the motivations of R&D by multinationals are investigated by using a large firm level dataset from Chinese official statistics on science and technology activities. Growing intensity of R&D activities is found both for foreign owned and domestic firms. But, it is also found that the R&D intensity at foreign owned firms is relatively smaller. This may be due to the fact that foreign owned firms are operating by relying of technological capabilities at home. Statistical analysis confirms that the major motivation of foreign R&D in China is "market driven" instead of "technological driven" or "human resource driven". However, there is a great variation of foreign R&D strategy across regions. Market driven R&D is found mainly in Guangdong, which is called a world IT factory, and does not have strong universities or PRIs. In contrast, R&D strategy in Beijing is oriented toward technology driven approach, because we can find a cluster of scientific institutions there. Shanghai, with both a large industrial base as well as strong science sector, is in-between.

Suggested Citation

  • Kazuyuki Motohashi, 2006. "R&D of Multinationals in China: Structure, Motivations and Regional Difference," Discussion papers 06005, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eti:dpaper:06005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Iwasa, Tomoko & Odagiri, Hiroyuki, 2004. "Overseas R&D, knowledge sourcing, and patenting: an empirical study of Japanese R&D investment in the US," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(5), pages 807-828, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kazuyuki Motohashi, 2012. "Management of Offshore R&D in China: Cross Country Differences in Motivation and Performance," Institutions and Economies (formerly known as International Journal of Institutions and Economies), Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya, vol. 4(2), pages 101-120, July.
    2. Khan, Haider, 2013. "Industrialization and Development Strategies in the 21st Century: Towards Sustainable Innovation Systems," MPRA Paper 50168, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Liu, Meng-chun & Chen, Shin-Horng, 2012. "MNCs’ offshore R&D networks in host country's regional innovation system: The case of Taiwan-based firms in China," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(6), pages 1107-1120.
    4. Yang, Chih-Hai & Matsuura, Toshiyuki & Ito, Tadashi, 2019. "R&D and patenting activities of foreign firms in China: The case of Japan," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 151-160.
    5. Maurice CATIN & Christophe VAN HUFFEL, 2008. "CLUSTERS ET STRATeGIES DE DeVELOPPEMENT EN CHINE," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 28, pages 39-60.
    6. Wen-Bin Chuang & Hui-lin Lin & Chien-Wei Wu, 2015. "Does Institutional Quality Strengthen The Positive Influence of Offshore R&D Strategy on the Firm Productivity?," Asian Economic and Financial Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 5(2), pages 279-294, February.
    7. MOTOHASHI Kazuyuki & YUAN Yuan, 2009. "IT, R&D and Productivity of Chinese Manufacturing Firms," Discussion papers 09007, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    8. Di Minin, Alberto & Zhang, Jieyin & Gammeltoft, Peter, 2012. "Chinese foreign direct investment in R&D in Europe: A new model of R&D internationalization?," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 189-203.
    9. Heike Belitz, 1996. "Internationalisierung von Forschung und Entwicklung in multinationalen Unternehmen," DIW Wochenbericht, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research, vol. 63(16), pages 258-266.
    10. Chih-Hai Yang & Chia-Hui Huang, 2018. "Agglomeration, ownership, and R&D activity: firm-level evidence from China’s electronics industry," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 54(4), pages 1673-1696, June.
    11. Chih-Hai Yang, 2018. "Exports and innovation: the role of heterogeneity in exports," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 55(3), pages 1065-1087, November.

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