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Technological sophistication made in China? – New insights from Germany's evaluation of COVID-19 antigen rapid tests

Author

Listed:
  • Silas Dreier

    (University of Wuerzburg & Kiel Institute for the World Economy)

  • Wan-Hsin Liu

    (Kiel Institute for the World Economy & Kiel Centre for Globalization)

Abstract

By analyzing a unique dataset from Germany's evaluation of COVID-19 antigen rapid tests, we show that Chinese firms can excel under today's global competition and produce tests at quality levels higher than China's income level would suggest. We find these achievements are positively associated with China's rising innovation capability and robust industrial base. Further strengthening China's innovation and industrial base to support Chinese firms' future accomplishments is what the Chinese government clearly aims for. This would intensify the challenges facing Western economies that strive for technological sovereignty and eagerly seek to de-risk their economic relations with China.

Suggested Citation

  • Silas Dreier & Wan-Hsin Liu, 2023. "Technological sophistication made in China? – New insights from Germany's evaluation of COVID-19 antigen rapid tests," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 43(4), pages 1555-1564.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-23-00258
    as

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    File URL: http://www.accessecon.com/Pubs/EB/2023/Volume43/EB-23-V43-I4-P135.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    China; product quality; technological sophistication; trade; COVID-19;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development

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    Access and download statistics

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