Managing Global Research and Development in China: Patterns of R&D Configuration and Evolution

Technology Analysis & Strategic Management Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 317-337, September 2005

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Business School Research Paper, Forthcoming

22 Pages Posted: 20 Jul 2007

See all articles by Jiatao Li

Jiatao Li

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) - Department of Management & Organization

Deborah R. Yue

Independent

Abstract

The growing internationalization of R&D activities challenges multinational corporations (MNCs) to formulate technology strategies and manage increasingly diffuse and diverse networks of R&D laboratories and alliances in the context of disparate national institutions. This paper examines the evolutionary processes of MNCs' R&D strategies in china in terms of two principal dimensions, i.e. geographic dispersion and functional focus. Based on a study of 378 international R&D centers and alliances established in China over the 1995-2001 period, we investigate the evolution of managing international R&D configurations in an emerging economy. The model is further illustrated with key findings from case studies of three leading high-tech MNCs in managing their global R&D operations in China over 1996-2004, specifically Fujitsu, Motorola and Nokia. This study contributes to the existing literature by exploring the globalization of R&D through foreign centers of scientific and technological excellence, which enables MNCs to innovate closer to their product markets and manufacturing facilities in emerging markets.

Suggested Citation

Li, Jiatao and Yue, Deborah R., Managing Global Research and Development in China: Patterns of R&D Configuration and Evolution. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 317-337, September 2005, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Business School Research Paper, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1001847

Jiatao Li (Contact Author)

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) - Department of Management & Organization ( email )

5473
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong, PRC
852-2358 7757 (Phone)

Deborah R. Yue

Independent

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