Title: Multinational R&D in China: differentiation and integration of global R&D networks

Authors: Jian Wang; Zheng Liang; Lan Xue

Addresses: China Institute for Science and Technology Policy (CISTP), School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Department of Managerial Economics, Strategy and Innovation, Centre for R&D Monitoring (ECOOM), University of Leuven, Waaistraat 6, 3000 Leuven, Belgium ' China Institute for Science and Technology Policy (CISTP), School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China ' China Institute for Science and Technology Policy (CISTP), School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

Abstract: Based on case studies of multinational R&D centres in China, this paper views the central task of corporate R&D globalisation as: differentiating R&D units to take advantage of location-specific resources and integrating R&D efforts in multiple locations to achieve the whole corporation's goals. Four differentiated R&D units are identified: the technology competence unit, the system competence unit, the assignment unit, and the support unit. These four units form a complete R&D system covering all stages of R&D life circle. Three main driving resources - technology strength, human capital, and the market - are investigated, as well as their relationships to different types of R&D. Control, communication, and external collaboration issues are also discussed for these four types of R&D units.

Keywords: multinational R&D; research and development; differentiation; integration; resources; global R&D networks; R&D globalisation; MNCs; multinational corporations; China; technology competence; system competence; assignment; research support; technology strength; human capital; markets; control; communication; external collaboration.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2014.060959

International Journal of Technology Management, 2014 Vol.65 No.1/2/3/4, pp.96 - 124

Accepted: 17 Nov 2013
Published online: 30 Jun 2014 *

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