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The unique chinese innovation pathways: Lessons from chinese small and mediuem sized manufacturing firms

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  • Chung, Leanne
  • Tan, Kim Hua

Abstract

Many researchers equate the development of Chinese product innovation capabilities to Japanese and South Korean's development paths, that is, from imitation to innovation. Nonetheless, today many Chinese products have competed successfully in the global markets in terms of speed, cost, quality, and innovativeness. China's product innovation performance has gained the world's recognition. The performance of some industrial areas have also outperformed Japan and South Korea. This paper aims to understand and identify the unique phases of Chinese innovation. We collected empirical data from field studies and interviews with managers of ten small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Suzhou province of China. The research shows three unique Chinese innovation phases that are distinctive from the Japanese and South Korean. The results provided interesting insights into how Chinese SMEs in different industries cultivated their skills and knowledge under the three unique phases. We believe the findings contribute towards a better understanding of Chinese innovation in the context of China's evolving institutions and growing firm capabilities. Moreover, findings from this research help to shed light on existing debates for the unique Chinese innovation pathways.

Suggested Citation

  • Chung, Leanne & Tan, Kim Hua, 2017. "The unique chinese innovation pathways: Lessons from chinese small and mediuem sized manufacturing firms," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 190(C), pages 80-87.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:190:y:2017:i:c:p:80-87
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2016.09.004
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    4. Liu, Yulong & Ndubisi, Nelson Oly & Liu, Yang & Barrane, Fatima Zahra, 2020. "New product development and sustainable performance of Chinese SMMEs: The role of dynamic capability and intra-national environmental forces," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    5. Luo, Xingwu & Cao, Dongmei & Tjahjono, Benny & Adegbile, Abiodun, 2022. "Business model innovation themes of emerging market enterprises: Evidence in China," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 1619-1630.
    6. Edeh, Jude & Prévot, Frédéric, 2024. "Beyond funding: The moderating role of firms' R&D human capital on government support and venture capital for regional innovation in China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    7. Zhou, Honggeng & Li, Ling, 2020. "The impact of supply chain practices and quality management on firm performance: Evidence from China's small and medium manufacturing enterprises," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    8. Muddassar Sarfraz & Syed Ghulam Meran Shah & Larisa Ivascu & Muhammad Asim Ali Qureshi, 2022. "Explicating the impact of hierarchical CEO succession on small‐medium enterprises' performance and cash holdings," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 27(2), pages 2600-2614, April.
    9. Zhang, Jing A. & O'Kane, Conor & Chen, Guoquan, 2020. "Business ties, political ties, and innovation performance in Chinese industrial firms: The role of entrepreneurial orientation and environmental dynamism," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 254-267.

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