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Lessons from China: building technological capabilities for low carbon technology transfer and development

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  • Jim Watson
  • Rob Byrne
  • David Ockwell
  • Michele Stua

Abstract

Using case study analysis across three sectors in China (cement, electric vehicles and coal fired electricity generation) and theoretical insights from the innovation studies literature, this paper analyses the development of China’s technological capabilities in low carbon technologies and the ways in which public policies have contributed to developing these capabilities. It finds that China has developed significant capabilities via a strategic approach. The paper’s findings have significant implications for international policies designed to support low carbon technology transfer to developing countries and broader processes of low carbon technological change and development. Such policies should go beyond the traditional focus on the transfer of technology hardware to focus on the development of low carbon technological capabilities in developing country firms. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015

Suggested Citation

  • Jim Watson & Rob Byrne & David Ockwell & Michele Stua, 2015. "Lessons from China: building technological capabilities for low carbon technology transfer and development," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 131(3), pages 387-399, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:131:y:2015:i:3:p:387-399
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-014-1124-1
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    19. Cui, Jingbo & Liu, Xi & Sun, Yongping & Yu, Haishan, 2020. "Can CDM projects trigger host countries’ innovation in renewable energy? Evidence of firm-level dataset from China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).

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