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Towards an asymmetry-based view of Chinese firms’ technological catch-up

Author

Listed:
  • Jiang Wei

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Ding Wang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Yang Liu

    (Zhejiang University)

Abstract

By carefully reviewing our research and related literature, in this paper, we propose a two-stage model of Chinese firms’ technological catch-up, and provide asymmetry-based explanations. We argue that at the approaching stage, Chinese firms mainly focus on knowledge accumulation through frugal innovation for capturing local and global low-end markets; while at the pole vault stage, they focus on knowledge creation through radical innovation for capturing the high-end market. Moreover, we propose that lacking world-leading technologies but striving to achieve technological catch-up quickly, Chinese firms mainly rely on asymmetric resource and capabilities that are embedded within Chinese institutional, technological and market contexts. Turning these asymmetries into sustainable capabilities and then matching them to market opportunities by developing asymmetric innovation strategies, Chinese firms could achieve technological catch-up in a unique way.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiang Wei & Ding Wang & Yang Liu, 2018. "Towards an asymmetry-based view of Chinese firms’ technological catch-up," Frontiers of Business Research in China, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:fobric:v:12:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1186_s11782-018-0041-y
    DOI: 10.1186/s11782-018-0041-y
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    Cited by:

    1. Quan Cai & Ying Ying & Yang Liu & Wei Wu, 2019. "Innovating with Limited Resources: The Antecedents and Consequences of Frugal Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-23, October.
    2. Fei Li & Jin Chen & Ying Ying, 2019. "Innovation Search Scope, Technological Complexity, and Environmental Turbulence: A N-K Simulation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-12, August.
    3. Jinran Chen & Lijuan Xie, 2019. "Industrial policy, structural transformation and economic growth: evidence from China," Frontiers of Business Research in China, Springer, vol. 13(1), pages 1-19, December.

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