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Is China transmuting to fast overtake the USA in innovation? R&D case-studies in advanced technology manufacturing

Weibao Li (School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, PR China)
Weiwei Wu (School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, PR China)
Bo Yu (School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, PR China)
Check-Teck Foo (School of Management Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, PR China)

Chinese Management Studies

ISSN: 1750-614X

Article publication date: 7 April 2015

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to argue for a China transmuting to fast overtake USA in innovation based on the extrapolation of past statistical trend. Case studies in self and co-innovation are provided so that the documentation of the dynamics of knowledge flows and a brain-linguistic explanation is given as to why, in the future, the Chinese are likely to lead in innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper illustrates a multi-method approach in research for Chinese Management Studies. First, the sociological background of China is highlighted (Mao Zedong’s aphorism). Second, insights from OECD patent database are utilized. Third, the use of comparative research and development case-studies: self-innovation (Chinese) and co-innovation (contrasting Japanese versus French cooperation with Chinese). Fourth, is the inter-disciplinarily approach wherein the assimilating of knowledge is related to recent advances in brain research. Fifth, emphasizing the different levels in organizing for innovation: national (China), organizational (SOE), group processes and person-to-person, synapses within individual brains.

Findings

Statistical trend suggests that China is transforming and is on the path toward overtaking the USA in innovation. When will this happen? Using extrapolation as an indication, China may surpass the USA by the 50 per cent mark within the next decade. Insights into the processes of self-innovation and co-innovation are provided. Authors argue for a brain-linguistic explanation (Hebb, 1949) for further understanding why China will eventually lead ceteris paribus innovation, a function of the human brain.

Originality/value

This paper highlights on the basis of statistical trends (using OECD database) a rising, innovative China that is poised to overtake the USA in the near future. A major contribution is in providing insights of interactional processes required to foster innovation: self and co-innovation (comparing Japanese and French). The critical brain-linguistic role as the rationale as to why the Chinese are given a greater, more developed brain power that will eventually surpass the West in innovation.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (71472055, 71272175), National Science Foundation for Post-doctoral Scientists of China (201104424, 2012M520697), the Science Foundation for Young Scholars of Heilongjiang Province (QC2009C109) and the Project sponsored by SRF for ROCS, SEM.

Citation

Li, W., Wu, W., Yu, B. and Foo, C.-T. (2015), "Is China transmuting to fast overtake the USA in innovation? R&D case-studies in advanced technology manufacturing", Chinese Management Studies, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 8-26. https://doi.org/10.1108/CMS-01-2015-0019

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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