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R&D Performance in High-Tech Firms in China

Author

Listed:
  • Zhao Chen

    (China Center for Economic Studies (CCES), Fudan University, Shanghai)

  • Sang-Ho Lee

    (Chonnam National University, Korea)

  • Wei Xu

    (Changzhou Institute of Technology, China)

Abstract

Using firm-level data from Changzhou, a prefectural city in China's Yangzi River Delta, we investigate the performance of both internal and external research and development (R&D) in high-tech firms. We find that, on average, high-tech firms with more internal R&D expenditure apply for more patents in terms of both the total number of patents and the number of invention patents. Internal R&D is most efficient in foreign firms, followed by private firms and then state-owned enterprises. These findings highlight the importance of privatizing high-tech firms in China if the government intends to accelerate industrial upgrading and convert the pattern of “Made in China” into “Created in China.”

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao Chen & Sang-Ho Lee & Wei Xu, 2017. "R&D Performance in High-Tech Firms in China," Asian Economic Papers, MIT Press, vol. 16(3), pages 193-208, Fall.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:asiaec:v:16:y:2017:i:3:p:193-208
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Barros, Victor & Verga Matos, Pedro & Miranda Sarmento, Joaquim & Rino Vieira, Pedro, 2023. "High-tech firms: Dividend policy in a context of sustainability and technological change," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    3. Rui Wang & Yi-Na Li & Jiuchang Wei, 2022. "Growing in the changing global landscape: the intangible resources and performance of high-tech corporates," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 39(3), pages 999-1022, September.
    4. Jian Xu & Jae-Woo Sim, 2018. "Characteristics of Corporate R&D Investment in Emerging Markets: Evidence from Manufacturing Industry in China and South Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-18, August.
    5. Yan Zhao & Hui Sun & Xuechao Xia & Dianyuan Ma, 2023. "Can R&D Intensity Reduce Carbon Emissions Intensity? Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-24, January.

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    JEL classification:

    • F33 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions
    • F36 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Financial Aspects of Economic Integration
    • F50 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - General
    • F65 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Finance
    • G00 - Financial Economics - - General - - - General

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