The Imitation to Innovation Transition: Exploratory Research in the Chinese Wind Turbine Manufacturing Industry

TL;DRAbstract

International technology transfer and imitation is a critical mechanism in China’s unprecedented growth. Existing research on firm learning and imitation, however, is of limited applicability because assumptions of firm heterogeneity, and linear concepts of capabilities development which are not tenable given the size, complexity and heterogeneity of China. Drawing on theories of evolutionary economics, imitation driven firm learning, and innovation systems, this research undertakes iterative theory building based on in-depth case studies in the wind turbine manufacturing industry in order to develop a working framework within which imitation-driven firm learning processes within the Chinese context can be understood. Based on interviews with industry consultants, experts, and employees we develop a novel typology of firm strategies, examine the processes by which firms transition between these, and rigorously apply this framework by examining the learning processes three firms through

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