IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bla/bstrat/v25y2016i8p593-608.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

How to Green the red Dragon: A Start‐ups' Little Helper for Sustainable Development in China

Author

Listed:
  • Henk J. Steinz
  • Frank J. Van Rijnsoever
  • Frans Nauta

Abstract

This article qualitatively identifies and explains the barriers that foreign cleantech start‐ups can encounter when attempting to enter the Chinese market, as well as the possible strategies that can help overcome these barriers. We base our analysis on interviews with Chinese and foreign entrepreneurs and facilitators. To structure the analysis of such barriers, we use the components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We then explain the barriers using institutional theory. We demonstrate that they are caused either by the regulations in China or by the difference between Chinese and Western logics. We further recommend that cleantech entrepreneurs come prepared to China, remain flexible, associate themselves with reputable partners and take advice from those familiar with business in China. Cultural–cognitive barriers might be overcome by integrating the communities of foreign and Chinese start‐ups. Regulative barriers can be removed by the Chinese Government, but this conflicts with the logic of state control. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment

Suggested Citation

  • Henk J. Steinz & Frank J. Van Rijnsoever & Frans Nauta, 2016. "How to Green the red Dragon: A Start‐ups' Little Helper for Sustainable Development in China," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(8), pages 593-608, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:25:y:2016:i:8:p:593-608
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.1899
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.1899
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1002/bse.1899?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ramirez, Carlos D., 2014. "Is corruption in China “out of control”? A comparison with the US in historical perspective," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 76-91.
    2. Frank Rijnsoever & Leon Welle & Sjoerd Bakker, 2014. "Credibility and legitimacy in policy-driven innovation networks: resource dependencies and expectations in Dutch electric vehicle subsidies," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 39(4), pages 635-661, August.
    3. Amiti, Mary & Smarzynska Javorcik, Beata, 2008. "Trade costs and location of foreign firms in China," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 85(1-2), pages 129-149, February.
    4. Spilling, Olav R., 1996. "The entrepreneurial system: On entrepreneurship in the context of a mega-event," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 91-103, May.
    5. Frank J. van Rijnsoever, 2012. "The social sciences are already relevant," Nature, Nature, vol. 485(7398), pages 309-309, May.
    6. Luk Van Langenhove, 2012. "Make social sciences relevant," Nature, Nature, vol. 484(7395), pages 442-442, April.
    7. Garry D. Bruton & David Ahlstrom & Han–Lin Li, 2010. "Institutional Theory and Entrepreneurship: Where Are We Now and Where Do We Need to Move in the Future?," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 34(3), pages 421-440, May.
    8. Stephan J. Goetz & David Freshwater, 2001. "State-Level Determinants of Entrepreneurship and a Preliminary Measure of Entrepreneurial Climate," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 15(1), pages 58-70, February.
    9. L. Xu & J. Shen & D. Marinova & X. Guo & F. Sun & F. Zhu, 2013. "Changes of public environmental awareness in response to the Taihu blue-green algae bloom incident in China," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 15(5), pages 1281-1302, October.
    10. Minna Halme & Maria Korpela, 2014. "Responsible Innovation Toward Sustainable Development in Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprises: a Resource Perspective," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 23(8), pages 547-566, December.
    11. Peter Hills & C. S. Man, 1998. "Environmental regulation and the industrial sector in China: the role of informal relationships in policy implementation," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 7(2), pages 53-70, May.
    12. Magda M. Smink & Marko P. Hekkert & Simona O. Negro, 2015. "Keeping sustainable innovation on a leash? Exploring incumbents’ institutional strategies," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(2), pages 86-101, February.
    13. World Bank, 2014. "World Development Indicators 2014," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 18237.
    14. Fu, Xiaolan & Gong, Yundan, 2011. "Indigenous and Foreign Innovation Efforts and Drivers of Technological Upgrading: Evidence from China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 39(7), pages 1213-1225, July.
    15. Stephen Young & Ping Lan, 1997. "Technology Transfer to China through Foreign Direct Investment," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(7), pages 669-679.
    16. Yau, Oliver H. M. & Lee, Jenny S. Y. & Chow, Raymond P. M. & Sin, Leo Y. M. & Tse, Alan C. B., 2000. "Relationship marketing the Chinese way," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 16-24.
    17. Jelena Randjelovic & Anastasia R. O'Rourke & Renato J. Orsato, 2003. "The emergence of green venture capital," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 12(4), pages 240-253, July.
    18. World Bank & International Finance Corporation, 2013. "Doing Business 2014 : Understanding Regulations for Small and Medium-Size Enterprises," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 16204.
    19. Turlough F. Guerin, 2009. "An assessment and ranking of barriers to doing environmental business with China," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 18(6), pages 380-396, September.
    20. Carlsson, B & Stankiewicz, R, 1991. "On the Nature, Function and Composition of Technological Systems," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 1(2), pages 93-118, April.
    21. Haifeng Qian & Zoltán J. Ács & Roger R. Stough, 2015. "Regional systems of entrepreneurship: the nexus of human capital, knowledge and new firm formation," Chapters, in: Global Entrepreneurship, Institutions and Incentives, chapter 14, pages 257-285, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    22. Haishun Sun, 1998. "Macroeconomic Impact of Direct Foreign Investment in China: 1979–96," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(5), pages 675-694, July.
    23. Jie Wu, 2015. "Differentiated Customer Pressures and Environmental Policies in China," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(3), pages 175-189, March.
    24. Montalvo, Jose G. & Ravallion, Martin, 2010. "The pattern of growth and poverty reduction in China," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 38(1), pages 2-16, March.
    25. Devi R. Gnyawali & Daniel S. Fogel, 1994. "Environments for Entrepreneurship Development: Key Dimensions and Research Implications," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 18(4), pages 43-62, July.
    26. Criscuolo, Paola & Nicolaou, Nicos & Salter, Ammon, 2012. "The elixir (or burden) of youth? Exploring differences in innovation between start-ups and established firms," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(2), pages 319-333.
    27. Boyd Cohen, 2006. "Sustainable valley entrepreneurial ecosystems," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, January.
    28. Stefan Schaltegger & Marcus Wagner, 2011. "Sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainability innovation: categories and interactions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 20(4), pages 222-237, May.
    29. Lei Zhang & Gui-zhen He & Arthur P.J. Mol & Yong-long Lu, 2013. "Public perceptions of environmental risk in China," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(2), pages 195-209, February.
    30. Almeida, Paul & Kogut, Bruce, 1997. "The Exploration of Technological Diversity and the Geographic Localization of Innovation," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 21-31, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Bernd Wurth & Erik Stam & Ben Spigel, 2022. "Toward an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Research Program," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 46(3), pages 729-778, May.
    2. Anas A. Makki & Hisham Alidrisi & Asif Iqbal & Basil O. Al-Sasi, 2020. "Barriers to Green Entrepreneurship: An ISM-Based Investigation," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-17, October.
    3. Sanchita Bansal & Isha Garg & Gagan Deep Sharma, 2019. "Social Entrepreneurship as a Path for Social Change and Driver of Sustainable Development: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-28, February.
    4. Giancarlo Giudici & Massimiliano Guerini & Cristina Rossi-Lamastra, 2019. "The creation of cleantech startups at the local level: the role of knowledge availability and environmental awareness," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 52(4), pages 815-830, April.
    5. Metawa, Noura & Dogan, Eyup & Taskin, Dilvin, 2022. "Analyzing the nexus of green economy, clean and financial technology," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 385-396.
    6. María del Pilar Casado-Belmonte & Gema María Marín-Carrillo & Eduardo Terán-Yépez & María de las Mercedes Capobianco-Uriarte, 2020. "What Is Going on with the Research into the Internationalization of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)? An Intellectual Structure Analysis into the State-of-the-Art (1990–2018)," Publications, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-30, February.
    7. Bertello, Alberto & Battisti, Enrico & De Bernardi, Paola & Bresciani, Stefano, 2022. "An integrative framework of knowledge-intensive and sustainable entrepreneurship in entrepreneurial ecosystems," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 683-693.
    8. Ricky Y. K. Chan, 2021. "Do chief information officers matter for sustainable development? Impact of their regulatory focus on green information technology strategies and corporate performance," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(5), pages 2523-2534, July.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Niels Stijn & Frank J. Rijnsoever & Martine Veelen, 2018. "Exploring the motives and practices of university–start-up interaction: evidence from Route 128," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 43(3), pages 674-713, June.
    2. Kathrin Bischoff, 2021. "A study on the perceived strength of sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems on the dimensions of stakeholder theory and culture," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 56(3), pages 1121-1140, February.
    3. Marco Savastano & Altaf Hussain Samo & Nisar Ahmed Channa & Carlo Amendola, 2022. "Toward a Conceptual Framework to Foster Green Entrepreneurship Growth in the Agriculture Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-16, March.
    4. David Bruce Audretsch & Maksim Belitski & Georg Maximilian Eichler & Erich Schwarz, 2024. "Entrepreneurial ecosystems, institutional quality, and the unexpected role of the sustainability orientation of entrepreneurs," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 62(2), pages 503-522, February.
    5. Marijn van Weele & Frank J. Rijnsoever & Chris P. Eveleens & Henk Steinz & Niels Stijn & Menno Groen, 2018. "Start-EU-up! Lessons from international incubation practices to address the challenges faced by Western European start-ups," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 43(5), pages 1161-1189, October.
    6. Torbjörn Ljungkvist & Jim Andersén, 2021. "A taxonomy of ecopreneurship in small manufacturing firms: A multidimensional cluster analysis," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(2), pages 1374-1388, February.
    7. Kathrin Bischoff & Christine K. Volkmann & David B. Audretsch, 2018. "Stakeholder collaboration in entrepreneurship education: an analysis of the entrepreneurial ecosystems of European higher educational institutions," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 43(1), pages 20-46, February.
    8. Charisia Vlachou & Olga Iakovidou & Panagiota Sergaki & Georgios Menexes, 2021. "The Entrepreneurial Environment in Greek Rural Areas: The Entrepreneur’s Viewpoint," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-15, February.
    9. Tariq, Adeel & Badir, Yuosre F. & Tariq, Waqas & Bhutta, Umair Saeed, 2017. "Drivers and consequences of green product and process innovation: A systematic review, conceptual framework, and future outlook," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 8-23.
    10. Shi, Xianwei & Shi, Yongjiang, 2022. "Unpacking the process of resource allocation within an entrepreneurial ecosystem," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(9).
    11. Chao Wang & Xiu-e Zhang, 2022. "Binary effects of exploratory and exploitative learning on opportunity identification: The different moderations of environmental munificence and entrepreneurial commitment," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 21(4), pages 497-524, September.
    12. Stephen Mago & Stephan van der Merwe, 2023. "Exploring Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Developed Countries: A Systematic Review," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, December.
    13. Ross Brown & Colin Mason, 2017. "Looking inside the spiky bits: a critical review and conceptualisation of entrepreneurial ecosystems," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 49(1), pages 11-30, June.
    14. Angelo Cavallo & Antonio Ghezzi & Raffaello Balocco, 2019. "Entrepreneurial ecosystem research: present debates and future directions," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 15(4), pages 1291-1321, December.
    15. Sanjay Chaudhary & Puneet Kaur & Hind Alofaysan & Jantje Halberstadt & Amandeep Dhir, 2023. "Connecting the dots? Entrepreneurial ecosystems and sustainable entrepreneurship as pathways to sustainability," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(8), pages 5935-5951, December.
    16. Hamid Etemad, 2023. "The increasing prevalence of multi-sided online platforms and their influence on international entrepreneurship: The rapid transformation of entrepreneurial digital ecosystems," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-30, March.
    17. R. Sandra Schillo & Ajax Persaud & Meng Jin, 2016. "Entrepreneurial readiness in the context of national systems of entrepreneurship," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 46(4), pages 619-637, April.
    18. Presley K. Wesseh & Boqiang Lin & Yixuan Zhang & Preslyn Sharon Wesseh, 2024. "Sustainable entrepreneurship: When does environmental compliance improve corporate performance?," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(4), pages 3203-3221, May.
    19. Aparicio, Sebastian & Urbano, David & Audretsch, David, 2016. "Institutional factors, opportunity entrepreneurship and economic growth: Panel data evidence," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 45-61.
    20. Sanwar A. Sunny & Cheng Shu, 2019. "Investments, incentives, and innovation: geographical clustering dynamics as drivers of sustainable entrepreneurship," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 52(4), pages 905-927, April.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:25:y:2016:i:8:p:593-608. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Wiley Content Delivery (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1099-0836 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.