Title: Technology content and competitive advantage: strategic analysis in the steel processing and watch manufacturing sectors in the People's Republic of China

Authors: Sonia Liff, He Jinsheng, Fred Steward

Addresses: Warwick Business School, Warwick University, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK. ' Department of Systems Engineering and Technological Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China. ' Aston Business School, Aston University, The Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK

Abstract: Two studies by Chinese researchers on technology strategy in industrial sectors in Tianjin in the People|s Republic of China (PRC) are compared and assessed. One uses the UN ESCAP Technology Atlas framework for technology content assessment and applies it to the steel industry. The other uses Michael Porter|s framework for competitive strategy analysis and applies it to the watch manufacturing industry. The methods are contrasted in terms of their state-planning and market origins and their different degrees of focus on technology. The studies showed the applicability of both methods in the Chinese context, but also point to the need for modifications. It is concluded that with the dualistic character of economic reform in the PRC there is potential for a synthesis and adaptation of the two methods for application at the regional level.

Keywords: competitive strategy; economic reform; China; ESCAP technology atlas; Porter; steel processing; technology content analysis; technology strategy; watch manufacture; technology management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1993.025776

International Journal of Technology Management, 1993 Vol.8 No.3/4/5, pp.309 - 332

Published online: 24 May 2009 *

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