Institutional Innovation and the Prospects for Transference, Part I: Transferring Singaporean Institutions to Suzhou, China

35 Pages Posted: 1 Feb 2002

See all articles by John W. Thomas

John W. Thomas

Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)

Date Written: September 2001

Abstract

The transfer of institutions from one country to another is an important means of learning and problem solving. Unfortunately, many such transfers have yielded disappointing results because the proponents neglect to analyze the contextual fit in the recipient country. This article examines the initiative of China and Singapore to create a new industrial city in Suzhou, China, based on Singaporean institutions. The difficulties of this endeavor, which led to Singapore turning over the lead-role to China in 2000, offer valuable lessons about the importance of context, of assessing presumed support, and of "ownership" in institutional transfers.

Suggested Citation

Thomas, John W., Institutional Innovation and the Prospects for Transference, Part I: Transferring Singaporean Institutions to Suzhou, China (September 2001). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=299134 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.299134

John W. Thomas (Contact Author)

Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) ( email )

79 John F. Kennedy Street
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