Xiaobai Shen

From 3G to 4G: standards and the development of mobile broadband in China

This paper explores the way that increasing engagement in international standardisation processes has enabled Chinese firms to become global players in mobile telecommunications technologies and China to become a major influence in the international information and communications technology (ICT) standards arena. From a ‘social shaping of technology’ perspective it examines the development of the third generation (3G) TD-SCDMA (time division synchronous code division multiple access) mobile telephony standard (TD) and the path laid towards the next generation of mobile broadband standards and technologies. The paper highlights the complex interactions between a wide array of players involved, including national and foreign firms, and different sections and levels of the Chinese state. TDs success was by no means predetermined. China eventually adopted a pragmatic approach implementing TD and the two established Western standards. This complex history and interplay between Chinese and foreign players calls into question the idea of national or indigenous technologies for large-scale infrastructures, and highlights the limitations of national strategies in globalised innovation processes.

Developing Country Perspectives Software: Intellectual Property and Open Source

This paper looks at implications of the emerging global Intellectual Property (IP) regime for Developing Countries (DCs) and their attempts to improve their technological capabilities. It further highlights the new perspectives for DCs opened up by the emergence of non-proprietary (open source/free) software, such as Linux. A case study of the battle between Microsoft and Linux in China is used to explore the dilemmas faced by China in determining what IP regime (strict or weak) to adopt, and the threats and opportunities that either may pose for indigenous technology development. Based on the case analysis, the paper criticizes the simplistic polarized views that have been presented of the implications of the global IP regime and of the potential of non-proprietary software. It explores some of the complex considerations about the interplay between technology strategy and IP protection for China and discusses the policy implications for China and other DCs.

A Critique of China's Utilitarian View of Science and Technology

Technology studies in the West, including the specific case explored here of the ‘social shaping of technology’ (SST) perspective, has been patterned by the particular historical circumstances in which it emerged, in terms of both contemporary political concerns about the socio–economic implications of technological change, and the respective strengths and traditions of the various academic disciplines that contributed to this new field. This article points to the fundamental weaknesses in Chinas approach to technology development—the ‘utilitarian’ view of technology. Three key manifestations are that: (a) technology has been treated as merely a ‘tool’, detached from its social and political context; (b) technology is treated as a finished solution, diverting attention from the necessary processes of technological learning from advanced economies; and (c) a narrow focus is adopted of technical specialism in science and engineering at the expense of social, policy and managerial expertise, often associated with an elitist approach to technology development.

Building ‘mass’ and ‘momentum’ – a latecomer country’s passage to large technological systems – the case of China

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on how a latecomer country can bring a large (infrastructural) technological system (LTS) to a market already dominated by the entrenched systems of global technology leaders. We construct a conceptual framework, building on Hughes LTS theory (1983) and insights from social studies of technology into the specificities of infrastructural sociotechnical systems to analyse the development of China’s 3rd Generation mobile telephony system. We explore the complex dynamics surrounding the distributed governance of innovation, highlighting changes in key system builders. We note the role of the state in addressing critical problems (‘reverse salients’), both in terms of aligning players through legitimating and sense-making and also, building the necessary mass and momentum. This includes a more radical reconfiguring of the field to secure the substantial commitments needed to materialise and embed a new LTS infrastructure.

Technology progress in the Chinese construction industry under the iron-fist of government

Government policies and actions in transitional economies have far-reaching consequences for technology progress. Many studies suggest the important role of governments in providing policies and finance to facilitate technology innovations. The Chinese government has often been seen to exemplify this. This article probes government actions in practice, the way it is conducted and the negative consequences for innovation. We focus on one of Chinas most important and successful sectors – construction. An analytical framework based on ‘complex systems industry’ is used and a causal map developed to examine the role of the Chinese government acting as client, regulator and administrator of industrial and professional bodies and their impact on innovation in the construction sector. This paper confirms that innovation is industry specific and social and economic context dependent. While recognising the powerful role of the Chinese government, it argues that in reality the ‘Chinese government’ is not a uniform entity, but rather consists of various entities acting in accordance with their varied vested interests at a specific time and under particular circumstances.

Competing in the Asia-Pacific Region

On a rainy day in January 1993, Jian Cheng was sitting in her office on the 35th floor of one of the newly built towers facing the bay of Hong Kong. Jian had called a meeting with the management team of the International Trade Division of the Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bank to discuss what steps should be taken to improve the employees’ motivation.

Competing in Deregulated Markets

On 7 January 1988, Leonard D. Spelt, Marketing Manager of Philip Morris K.K. (PMKK), had gathered his marketing team at the PMKK headquarters in Tokyo to discuss the recent decision of competitor R.J. Reynolds to introduce a ¥2001 cigarette brand in the Japanese market. After having reviewed and discussed all the options available, Leo Spelt had returned to his office to ponder the various alternatives which had surfaced during one of the most exhausting meetings he had had in Tokyo.

Shifting from National to Regional Organization Structures

Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co. Ltd. (MEI) was one of the leading electronics firms in the world, well-known for its Panasonic, National, Technics and Quasar brands. It was a leader in many industry segments, including video equipment (such as televisions, video-cassette recorders and camcorders); audio equipment (radios, tape recorders and compact disk players); home appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners and home laundry equipment); communication and industrial products (facsimile equipment, personal computers and copying machines); as well as electronic components, batteries and assorted other products. (A breakdown of sales by major product segment is shown in Exhibit 1.) While Matsushita was at the forefront of new product technology, it was best known for excellence in manufacturing, rather than for its product innovation or marketing flair.

New Potential in Asia Pacific

It was 8 January 1985 and Pierre Perrin, CEO of Potain S.A., had just received a letter from MACHIMPEX (China International Machinery Import-Export Company) requesting a proposal for a 5-year licensing contract on Potain’s F023B crane. The Chinese wanted total know-how and know-why for crane design and manufacturing (refer to Exhibit 1).

Managing Crisis and Ethical Problem

It was 6.00 p.m. on 22 June 1991, and Rudolf Richter, President of Lussman-Shizuka Corp., could see several photographers and journalists representing Osaka’s major newspapers gathered outside on the street 20 floors below. Richter sighed and glanced nervously at his secretary who was signalling him that yet another reporter was on the telephone wanting his view of the allegations recently made against the company. Four hours earlier, the Japanese authorities had arrested three of Richter’s employees and accused them of bribing university professors to win orders of the company’s products. In his entire 25-year career with Lussman Pharmaceuticals, Richter had never faced a more difficult situation.