Towards a Dynamic Regional Innovation System [recurso electrónico] : Investigation into the Electronics Industry in the Pearl River Delta, China

Embedding the theoretical discussion on the framework of evolutionary regional innovation systems (RIS), this book reveals the informal nature of the emerging RIS in China, within which interactive learning is organized on the basis of social networks. Furthermore, in a comparative study in the Pearl River Delta, China demonstrates that dirigiste governance in the initial industrialization phase leads to a more mature and developed RIS than does grassroots governance. The theoretical developments and empirical investigation presented in this book will grant readers a deeper understanding of the specific features of RIS within the transitional context of emerging economies. Acknowledgement 5 Contents 7 List of Abbreviation 10 Chapter-1 11 Introduction 11 1.1 Research Context 11 1.2 Defining Innovation and Regional Innovation System in China Context 13 1.2.1 What does Innovation Imply in China? 13 1.2.2 What does Regional Innovation System Imply in China? 15 1.3 Aims and Research Questions 16 1.4 Outline 18 1.5 Survey Data and Evaluation 20 References 24 Chapter-2 26 Knowledge Spillovers and Regional Innovation: The Case of Guangdong Province, China 26 2.1 Introduction 26 2.2 Technological Upgrading and Innovation in Guangdong Province, China: Some Stylized Facts 29 2.3 Impact of Knowledge Spillover on Innovation: An Integrative Perspective from the Local and the Global Scale 33 2.4 Model Specification and Data 39 2.4.1 Data and Measurements 40 2.4.2 Static and Dynamic Approach for Panel Data 42 2.4.3 Description of the Data 43 2.5 Empirical Results 45 2.6 Discussion and Conclusion 48 References 50 Chapter-3 53 Interactive Learning and Systemic Innovation 53 3.1 Introduction 53 3.2 Innovation as an Interactive Process 55 3.3 Survey Data and Methodology 60 3.4 Empirical Results 61 3.4.1 Descriptive Results 61 3.4.2 Econometrical Analysis 64 3.4.2.1 Robustness Test 69 3.5 Discussion and Conclusion 71 References 72 Chapter-4 75 Absorptive Capacity, Proximity and Innovation: Linking up the Intra-Firm Characteristic with Inter-Firm Linkages 75 4.1 Introduction 76 4.2 Use of Proximity in Interactive Learning 78 4.2.1 Proximity: Concept and Taxonomy 78 4.2.2 Organizational Proximity and Social Proximity: Comparison and Dynamics 80 4.2.2.1 The Role of Organizational Proximity in Innovation in Latecomer Context 81 4.2.2.2 The Role of Social Proximity in Innovation in Latecomer Context 84 4.2.3 Proximity for the SMEs in the Clusters 87 4.2.4 Brief Summary 89 4.3 Absorptive Capacity in the Firm Level as Precondition of Interactive Learning 91 4.3.1 Human Capital 92 4.3.2 R&D Activities 93 4.3.3 Production Experience 95 4.3.4 Brief Summary 96 4.4 Operationalization of Analysis 97 4.5 Empirical Evidence 99 4.5.1 Innovation Behavior of Electronics Firms 99 4.5.2 Absorptive Capacity and Learning Behaviors 108 4.5.3 The SMEs’ Use of Proximity 115 4.5.4 Impact of the Use of Proximity on Product Innovation Outcome 117 4.6 Discussion and Conclusion 123 References 125 Chapter-5 130 From Globalized Production Systems to Regional Innovation Systems: Governance and Innovation in Shenzhen and Dongguan, China 130 5.1 Introduction 130 5.2 Evolutionary Regional Innovation System and Governance Infrastructure 132 5.2.1 Evolution of Governance Infrastructure: Content and Typology 132 5.2.2 Evolution of Governance Infrastructure: Dynamics and Inertia 136 5.3 Survey Design of a Comparative Study 138 5.4 Governance in Shenzhen and Dongguan, China: An Evolutionary Overview 140 5.4.1 Governance Evolution in Shenzhen Since Opening 140 5.4.1.1 Shenzhen’s Governance in the Initial Phase of Industrialization 140 5.4.1.2 Shenzhen’s Governance in the Transitional Phase 142 5.4.2 Governance Evolution in Dongguan Since Opening 143 5.4.2.1 Dongguan’s Governance in the Initial Phase of Industrialization 143 5.4.2.2 Dongguan’s Governance in the Transitional Phase 144 5.4.3 Summary of Governance in Shenzhen and Dongguan 145 5.5 Descriptive Profile of Innovation Activities in Shenzhen and Dongguan 146 5.6 Empirical Evidence for Interactive Innovation 149 5.7 Discussion and Conclusion 157 References 158 Chapter-6 161 Conclusions 161 6.1 What do We Learn About the Chinese Regional Innovation System? 161 6.1.1 The Shaping of Interactive Learning Behavior and Systemic Innovation 162 6.1.2 The Informal Aspect of Innovation Activities in China 163 6.1.3 The Spatial Difference under Divergent Governance Infrastructure Evolution 165 6.2 Directions of Future Research 166 6.2.1 The Mechanism of Distributive System on the Regional Level 166 6.2.2 The Negative Effect of Informal Guanxi Network on Innovation 167 6.2.3 Methodological Issues in the Survey Design 167 6.3 Policy Implications 168 6.3.1 Enhancing and Balancing the Firm Absorptive Capacity 169 6.3.2 Identifying and Supporting the Capacity of Interactive Learning 169 6.3.3 Timely Assessing the Inertia Governance Infrastructure 170 References 171 Chapter-7 172 Appendices 172 7.1 Appendix A: Firm Questionnaire 172 Fact Sheet 172 7.2 Appendix B: Test of Clusterin Solution 185 7.3 Appendix C: Classifying Product Technology 186 7.4 Appendix D: Development of Shenzhen Electronics Industry in 1980s and 1990s 190 Front Matter....Pages i-xi Introduction....Pages 1-15 Knowledge Spillovers and Regional Innovation: The Case of Guangdong Province, China....Pages 17-43 Interactive Learning and Systemic Innovation....Pages 45-66 Absorptive Capacity, Proximity and Innovation: Linking up the Intra-Firm Characteristic with Inter-Firm Linkages....Pages 67-121 From Globalized Production Systems to Regional Innovation Systems: Governance and Innovation in Shenzhen and Dongguan, China....Pages 123-153 Conclusions....Pages 155-165 Appendices....Pages 167-189