Chinese S&T parks: the emergence of a new model

Abstract

Purpose

Chinese S&T parks are one component of the Chinese system of innovation which has emerged over the last 20 years; they are not simply a copy‐paste of the American model. This paper aims to focus on this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

Developments were inferred from an extensive literature review (in English, in Chinese and in French) that was completed by an archive research as well as interviews of heads of Chinese S&T parks.

Findings

Six features make Chinese S&T parks different from what can be found elsewhere in the world: the Chinese people have the willingness to restore previous glory and share of the world economy; the Chinese government apparatus acts as the driving force with an overpowering impact; there are very few foreign companies in Chinese S&T parks – making those parks mostly inhabited by Chinese companies, but returnees play a significant role; an astonishing scale when benchmarked to European references; the greening of business has emerged as a new and powerful driver; and an evolutionary process is leading to the transformation of China into an innovative country.

Research limitations/implications

This paper stands more as an essay reflecting the authors' understanding of the Chinese situation and, as such, it may be subjectively biased.

Practical implications

As Western managers are now considering China as a possible place to carry R&D, this paper helps them to get a better understanding of the features of the specific locations where they might implement their R&D labs.

Originality/value

The emergence of China as a technological country is a recent phenomenon. The authors have identified no such analysis in the published literature.

Citation

Jolly, D. and Zhu, F. (2012), "Chinese S&T parks: the emergence of a new model", Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 33 No. 5, pp. 4-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/02756661211282740