Pamela Adams

Related yet diverging sectoral systems: telecommunications equipment and semiconductors in China

Abstract This study examines the evolution of the telecommunications equipment and semiconductor industries in China from 1978 to 2012 using the sectoral systems framework. The article advances research on sectoral systems by examining the diverging evolution of two vertically related industries from a common starting point. In one case, system factors worked to foster global competitiveness, while in the other case, system factors slowed the formation of a competitive industry. The findings contribute to research on industrial dynamics and catching up by suggesting that the characteristics of vertically integrated industries may be seen as two sectoral systems that interact and influence the speed and direction of innovation and industrial development of each other’s industries.

User knowledge in innovation in high technologies: an empirical analysis of semiconductors

As the knowledge boundaries between producer and user firms shift, so do the loci of innovative activity. This study focuses on semiconductors as a case of a high technology industry in which application-specific knowledge became increasingly important in research and design and semiconductor devices were increasingly customised to meet the needs of diverse user markets. The study consists of an empirical analysis of firm-level patent data over two decades. The findings show that user companies innovated extensively and patented their innovations in semiconductors in the two decades between 1984 and 2003. The findings also reveal that major differences existed in the patenting behaviour of various categories of user firms.

The Rise to Market Leadership

In recent years many new international market leaders from the BRICS countries have emerged in several manufacturing and service industries. This important study answers a number of crucial questions including, how did these companies rise up to become important players in their respective industries? What is the contribution of systemic and country specific factors? What is the role of internal firm factors in enabling these companies to become market leaders? The book presents evidence from companies in the automotive, pharmaceutical and ICT industries of China, India and Brazil.

Conclusions: the rise to market leadership – a dynamic interplay between firms and innovation systems

In recent years many new international market leaders from the BRICS countries have emerged in several manufacturing and service industries. This important study answers a number of crucial questions including, how did these companies rise up to become important players in their respective industries? What is the contribution of systemic and country specific factors? What is the role of internal firm factors in enabling these companies to become market leaders? The book presents evidence from companies in the automotive, pharmaceutical and ICT industries of China, India and Brazil.