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Technological learning in six firms in Southern China: success and limits of an industrialisation model

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  • Arvanitis, Rigas
  • Zhao, Wei
  • Qiu, Haixiong
  • Xu, Jian-niu

Abstract

This article examines the creation of industrial enterprises and the basic models of firm-level technological learning behaviour of the last 20 years in China. Six case studies of technological learning and links to external sources of know-how from the South of China in the Pearl River Delta are examined. It is shown that the learning process that has been experienced in these enterprises is similar to that of other fast growing East Asian economies. Until now enterprises have been acquiring technology through external linkages with foreign clients that become their main providers of technology. A detailed account of the enterprises allows a typology of the external technological learning. It is claimed that the growth of the South China lies in this ‘external’ interactive technological learning, as in other East Asian economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Arvanitis, Rigas & Zhao, Wei & Qiu, Haixiong & Xu, Jian-niu, 2006. "Technological learning in six firms in Southern China: success and limits of an industrialisation model," MPRA Paper 18553, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 2006.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:18553
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Arvanitis, Rigas & Mhenni, Hatem, 2008. "Innovation policies in the context of North-Africa: new trends in Morroco and Tunisia," MPRA Paper 17939, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Wei ZHAO & Rigas ARVANITIS, 2008. "L’INeGAL DeVELOPPEMENT INDUSTRIEL DE LA CHINE : CAPACITeS D’INNOVATION ET COEXISTENCE DE DIFFeRENTS MODES D’APPRENTISSAGE TECHNOLOGIQUE," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 28, pages 61-85.
    3. Tzeng, Cheng-Hua, 2010. "Managing innovation for economic development in greater China: The origins of Hsinchu and Zhongguancun," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 110-121.
    4. Arvanitis, Rigas & M'HENNI, Hatem & Tsipouri, Lena, 2009. "Y a-t-il une gouvernance des systèmes d’innovation dans les pays d’Afrique du Nord et du Moyen-Orient? [Is there any NSI governance in MENA region]," MPRA Paper 27539, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Balcet Giovanni & Ruet Joël, 2011. "From Joint Ventures to National Champions or Global Players? Alliances and Technological Catching-up in Chinese and Indian Automotive Industries," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis. Working Papers 201109, University of Turin.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Asia; China; industrial development; technological learning; private enterprises; interactive learning; economic reform;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • L60 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - General
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology

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