Introduction of GMC 2011

Citation

Zho, W. and Ji, J. (2012), "Introduction of GMC 2011", Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China, Vol. 4 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/jkic.2012.40404aaa.001

Introduction of GMC 2011

Article Type: Conference report From: Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China, Volume 4, Issue 1

The 7th International Symposium on Global Manufacturing and China (GMC 2011) was organized together by National Institute for Innovation Management (NIIM), Zhejiang University, China and Institute for manufacturing (IFM), University of Cambridge, UK, and was successfully held from September 4-5, 2011 at Hangzhou, China.

The theme of the GMC 2011 was “The new stage of Manufacturing in China: outward FDI upgrading and strategy”, focusing on firm upgrading and outward foreign direct investment (ODI) strategy, theory and best practices of global production network (GPN), inter-firm networking and capability building, open innovation and R&D globalization, inclusive development and inclusive innovation and so on. Selected excellent papers presented at the symposium were published in the proceeding of GMC 2011. The symposium was supported by GATIC, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, USA, School of Management, Zhejiang University, China, SIMENS China Ltd, and Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

The GMC 2011 was composed of three main parts, included keynote speeches, panel meetings, and parallel sessions. For instance, in the keynotes, Sir Mike Gregory from University of Cambridge, UK gave a keynote speech on “Upgrading manufacturing – an industrial systems perspective” and Prof. Simon Collinson from Warwick University, UK, gave a keynote speech on “Filling capability gaps through acquisitions? Patterns of outward foreign direct investment by Chinese firms”. Prof. Michael Radnor from Northwestern University, USA gave the speech on “Meeting the strategic and skill challenges of next generation manufacturing”. Prof. Xiaobo WU and Jin CHEN both from Zhejiang University, China gave the speech “Chinese ODI and industry upgrading” and “the Impact of motivates on reverse technology transfer performance in Chinese R&D internationalization”, respectively.

In addition, Prof. Chunli LI (Aichi University, Japan), Prof. Xudong GAO (Tsinghua University, China), Ilan Alon (Rollins College, USA), Mike MA (Geely Group, China), Yasuo Ikawa (JAIST and GATIC-Japan), Prof. Young Won Park (University of Tokyo, Japan), Prof. Xielin LIU (Chinese Academy of Science, China), Yongjiang SHI (University of Cambridge, UK), Geon-Cheol Shin (Kyung Hee University, Korea), Alec McMillan (Rockwell Automation), Hamsa Thota (Innovation Business Development, Inc., USA) all gave wonderful speech on the three separate panel meetings.

The symposium is the proof that scholars have proposed, and are still proposing, some methods and theories on challenges manufacturers face in the globalization, and how China and other emerging countries can improve the quality of manufacturing to continuing inclusive sustainable development and achieve the industrial transition and upgrading through innovation.

All participants thought this international symposium was an excellent activity and one of the best-organized symposiums to date. In particular, some attendants sent e-mails to the holder, Prof. Xiaobo WU, congratulating him on the success of GMC 2011.

GMC 2011 provided a good opportunity for students and faculties of Zhejiang University to communicate with famous scholars from other countries, and to learn the latest theories and research methods in the field of Global Manufacturing and China and therefore to enhance the collaboration with foreign institutes. Furthermore, the symposium contributed to the development of the research and teaching capabilities on Global Manufacturing of Zhejiang University. Also, the symposium benefited to the companies in Zhejiang Province. Likewise, the symposium improved the research position of NIIM, Zhejiang University, and increases the standing of Zhejiang University throughout the world.

Weihua Zho and Jin JiSchool of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China