Title: An exploration into regional variation in innovative activity in China

Authors: Xielin Liu, Steven White

Addresses: National Research Center for Science and Technology for Development, State Science and Technology Commission of China, Beijing. Department of Management, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong

Abstract: Based on Chinese patent data from the period 1985-95, this paper explores regional variation in innovative activity and performance. Preliminary analyses suggest that regional differences in economic activity and innovation inputs - personnel and funding - are closely related to differences in patenting activity. However, the results also suggest that personnel may be the most important factor. The data also suggest that regions are undergoing important changes in technological specialisation, although the eventual impact on economic performance and competitiveness is not yet clear.

Keywords: innovation; patents; regional variation; China.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2001.002903

International Journal of Technology Management, 2001 Vol.21 No.1/2, pp.114-129

Published online: 08 Jul 2003 *

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