Title: A comparison of international R&D strategies of Chinese companies in Europe and the USA

Authors: Alberto Di Minin; Xiaohong Quan; Jieyin Zhang

Addresses: Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Istituto di Management, Piazza Martiri 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy ' Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, One Washington Square, San Jose, California, 95192-0164, USA ' Zhejiang Science and Technology Building, No. 33 Huancheng West Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China

Abstract: Europe and the USA are the two popular overseas R&D investment destinations for Chinese companies. We explore whether there are significant differences or similarities in the comparison of international R&D strategies of Chinese MNCs in Europe and the USA. Specifically, we examine how Chinese MNCs implement R&D strategies to facilitate learning. We adopt the method of theory building from case study research to answer this question. Based on 14 R&D units of 12 Chinese companies in Europe and the USA, our analysis investigates and compares the R&D strategies of Chinese multinationals in Europe and the USA, focusing on their strategic motives, R&D structure, and modes of learning. Our findings have strong managerial and policy implications.

Keywords: Chinese multinational corporations; R&D motive; R&D structure; Learning mode; USA; Europe.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2017.083595

International Journal of Technology Management, 2017 Vol.74 No.1/2/3/4, pp.185 - 213

Accepted: 21 Oct 2014
Published online: 12 Apr 2017 *

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