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Subsidiary Technology Upgrading and International Technology Transfer, with Reference to China

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  • John W. Medcof

Abstract

This paper reviews the research on technology upgrading in the subsidiaries of transnational corporations and the research on the development of Chinese high technology firms. On the basis of this it develops fresh policy options for government intent upon facilitating international technology transfer to their jurisdictions. Technology upgrading is the use of increasingly complex technologies in products and processes, and the development of the managerial and organizational capabilities needed to leverage those technologies effectively. Technology upgrading by the subsidiaries of transnational corporations can contribute to the economic development of the host region and is often driven by the entrepreneurial activities of subsidiary management. The upgrading process involves collaborating/lobbying with suppliers, headquarters and sister subsidiaries. Economic development policy should foster subsidiary technology upgrading as part of initiatives to increase international technology transfer.

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  • John W. Medcof, 2007. "Subsidiary Technology Upgrading and International Technology Transfer, with Reference to China," Asia Pacific Business Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(3), pages 451-469, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:apbizr:v:13:y:2007:i:3:p:451-469
    DOI: 10.1080/13602380701292006
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    2. Françoise Hay & Christian Milelli, 2013. "The endless quest to strategic assets by Chinese firms through FDI:From Inward to Outward Flows," EconomiX Working Papers 2013-16, University of Paris Nanterre, EconomiX.
    3. Amendolagine, Vito & Chaminade, Cristina & Guimón, José & Rabellotti, Roberta, 2019. "Cross-border knowledge flows through R&D FDI: Implications for low- and middle-income countries," Papers in Innovation Studies 2019/9, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    4. Kazuhiro Asakawa & Ashok Som, 2008. "Internationalization of R&D in China and India: Conventional wisdom versus reality," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 25(3), pages 375-394, September.
    5. Yunlong Duan & Hanxiao Liu & Zhiqing Deng & Peng Tao, 2021. "The Impact of Cross-Border R&D Sourcing on the Innovation Quality of MNCs, from the Perspective of Business Model Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-22, April.
    6. Tri Cicik Wijayanti & Made Setini & Dio Caisar Darma & Purwadi Purwadi & Prisciella Rizky Alka, 2020. "Connectivity Continuous Improvement Program and Employee Performance," International Review of Management and Marketing, Econjournals, vol. 10(1), pages 54-62.

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