Learning and Innovation of Chinese Firms

This edited volume explores the learning and innovation of Chinese firms, examining the difficulties and obstacles affecting technological collaboration and the key organizational and institutional challenges of innovation. Recent changes in the Chinese institutional environment, including policy initiatives and indigenous Chinese firms adopting global inputs, have led to increased attention to this topic.

Format: Hardback
Length: 195 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2023
Publisher: De Gruyter

This edited volume delves into the realm of learning and innovation within Chinese firms, shedding light on the challenges and obstacles that hinder technological collaboration between Chinese enterprises and their foreign partners. It also explores the critical organizational and institutional challenges that Chinese firms face in their pursuit of innovation. While Chinese firms have experienced rapid economic growth in recent decades, their learning and innovation practices have received relatively limited attention from management and international business scholars. However, significant changes have taken place in the Chinese institutional environment in recent years. On the one hand, the Chinese central government has implemented various policy initiatives to promote and support innovative activities in China, including the 'Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation by All' and the more recent 'Made in China 2025.' On the other hand, we have witnessed an increasing number of indigenous Chinese firms, such as Alibaba, Baidu, Tencent, Huawei, and DJI, embracing business model innovation with global inputs and impacts across various business sectors, including electronic commerce, telecommunications network equipment, social media, mobile payment, and drones.

In light of these recent developments, this edited volume aims to enhance our understanding of the learning and innovation processes within Chinese firms. The chapters in this volume provide a comprehensive examination of the various factors that influence Chinese firms' learning and innovation capabilities, including government policies, market dynamics, cultural factors, and organizational structures. The authors employ a range of research methodologies, such as case studies, surveys, and qualitative analysis, to gather data and draw insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Chinese firms in their pursuit of innovation.

One of the key themes that emerge from the chapters is the importance of collaboration and cooperation in driving innovation within Chinese firms. The authors argue that Chinese firms can leverage their domestic market expertise and resources to collaborate with foreign partners and tap into global innovation networks. However, challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and regulatory complexities often hinder these collaborations.

Another important theme is the role of government policies and regulations in shaping Chinese firms' learning and innovation practices. The authors discuss how government initiatives, such as the 'Made in China 2025' campaign, have aimed to promote domestic innovation and encourage foreign investment. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of these policies on intellectual property rights, domestic firms, and the overall innovation ecosystem.

The chapters also highlight the challenges faced by Chinese firms in their transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. The authors argue that Chinese firms need to develop a culture of innovation that emphasizes creativity, risk-taking, and continuous learning. However, traditional organizational structures and management practices may hinder this transition, requiring a shift in mindset and culture.

In conclusion, this edited volume provides valuable insights into the learning and innovation processes of Chinese firms. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that these firms face in their pursuit of global competitiveness. By examining the experiences of Chinese firms, the authors contribute to our understanding of the factors that drive innovation in emerging economies and offer valuable lessons for management scholars and practitioners.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110714937