Shaowei He

Assessing Overall Network Structure in Regional Innovation Policies: A Case Study of Cluster Policy in the West Midlands in the UK

Abstract Revisiting the theoretical roots of the key concepts of “embeddedness” and “networks” that underpin many recent regional innovation polices, this paper strives to achieve a more systematic understanding of the overall network structure of geographic agglomerations, which helps to form a more convincing model of regional development based on learning. This also helps to establish an analytical framework with indicators to assess the overall network structure in regional innovation policies. Employing the framework, the examination of cluster policy in the West Midlands highlights its weakness in addressing the overall cluster network structure and the contingent factors influencing the structure. The analysis suggests that there may be similar weaknesses in other regional innovation policies and the theories underpinning them as they share a common weakness in addressing the structural characteristics of overall networks.

Internationalisation process of Chinese SMEs: the role of business and ethnic-group-based social networks

This article examines how emerging market small and medium-sized enterprises (EM-SMEs) leverage business and social networks for their internationalisation. Drawing from the internationalisation process and network literature, it investigates four Chinese SMEs which have effectively entered foreign markets. The sample of Chinese manufacturing SMEs provides a valuable reference for foreign-network constrained EM-SMEs that face challenges and opportunities in their internationalisation process. The findings suggest that both business and ethnic group-based social networks as well as the strength of these networks play an important role in influencing the internationalisation of Chinese SMEs. Particularly, the findings illustrate the importance and complementary role of ethnic ties (i.e., social networks), and relationships with foreign multinationals (i.e., business networks) that enable the internationalisation process of the EM-SMEs.

Subsidiary Capability Upgrading and Parent-Subsidiary Relationship: Insights from a Chinese Acquisition in the United Kingdom

Purpose: - This study aims to explore capability upgrading of EMNE’s subsidiaries in developed countries and how the parent-subsidiary relationship influences such upgrading. Design/methodology/approach: - The study adopts an interdisciplinary approach to capability upgrading of EMNEs subsidiaries in developed countries. It employs a single case study to explore this under-research area. Finding: - the analysis challenges the orthodox view and suggests broad based capability upgrading has taken place in the EMNE acquired subsidiaries ranging from product, process, functional to intersectoral. In addition, the capability upgrading was contingent on the degree of subsidiary autonomy and subsidiary mandates. Originality/value: - This study represents one of the first to examine capability upgrading and parent-subsidiary relationship in the context of EMNEs’ internationalisation activities.

Joining the Global Elites: Dilemmas for China in Reforming its Systems of Scientific and Technological Innovation

China presents us with many puzzles. Is it a developed or still developing economy, is it capitalist or communist, planned or market-led? Many of these puzzles find resonance in the country’s latest scheme to attract global scientific elites for not only does the initiative represent China’s strategy to reform its national innovation system, but it also offers a lens through which to understand this huge and dynamic country and an opportunity to confront the puzzles within it.