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Exploring the Innovation System of the Animation Industry: Case Study of a Chinese Company

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  • Lei Ma

    (Centre for Innovation and Development, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
    School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China)

  • Cen Qian

    (Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK)

  • Zheng Liu

    (Centre for Innovation and Development, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
    Faculty of Business and Society, University of South Wales, Pontypridd CF37 1DL, UK)

  • Yue Zhu

    (Centre for Innovation and Development, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
    School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China)

Abstract

In the past 10 years, the animation industry has developed rapidly due to new technology and market expansion. Leading firms such as Disney are continuously seeking strategies to expand business towards products and service innovation, whereas Pixar and DreamWorks focus mainly on technology management. Driven by market and government policy, there is a blooming of the animation industry in China. However, most Chinese companies, in shortage of knowledge and experience, are unclear about innovation strategies. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the innovation system of China’s animation industry as a late comer. The literature is covered together with an industry review. To further explore the details, an in-depth case study into a Chinese company is conducted. This company has developed an open innovation system by interacting with industry, university and government; meanwhile, it is penetrating into the character business and service sector, seeking for sustainability. Findings indicate that a combination of internal knowledge management and open innovation is important; government plays a vital role at the early stage of forming the innovation system; innovation is a dynamic process with different configurations at each stage. Discussions are given to address the critical issues of the innovation system in the animation industry, followed by conclusions and recommendations for future research areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Lei Ma & Cen Qian & Zheng Liu & Yue Zhu, 2018. "Exploring the Innovation System of the Animation Industry: Case Study of a Chinese Company," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:9:p:3213-:d:168589
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ron Adner & Rahul Kapoor, 2010. "Value creation in innovation ecosystems: how the structure of technological interdependence affects firm performance in new technology generations," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(3), pages 306-333, March.
    2. Etzkowitz, Henry & Leydesdorff, Loet, 2000. "The dynamics of innovation: from National Systems and "Mode 2" to a Triple Helix of university-industry-government relations," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 109-123, February.
    3. Christensen, Jens Froslev & Olesen, Michael Holm & Kjaer, Jonas Sorth, 2005. "The industrial dynamics of Open Innovation--Evidence from the transformation of consumer electronics," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(10), pages 1533-1549, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elisabetta Lazzaro, 2021. "Linking the Creative Economy with Universities’ Entrepreneurship: A Spillover Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-12, January.

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