Television Production: Its Changing Global Location, the Product Cycle and China

This article concentrates on the global location of production of television receivers as a case study. The aim is to see if this accords with Vernon’s international product cycle theory or whether some modifications of the theory are required. The historical evolution of the global television industry is outlined and the global pattern of demand for television sets is explored, partly to relate the location of demand to the location of television production. Production cycles involved in television manufacture and its international location are then carefully explored both for black-and-white sets and for colour television. China’s rise to become the world’s major producers of television sets is given particular attention. Conclusions are drawn about the continuing relevance of the international product cycle and the need to modify Vernon’s original perceptions about it.