How do R&D Networks Change? The Upgrading of Innovation Capabilities in Emerging Market Firms. Insights from China’s Wind Energy Sector

Lars Oehler*

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

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Abstract

Innovative activities are increasingly decentralized and globally dispersed, which provides new upgrading opportunities for emerging market firms. However, little is known about how latecomer firms (re-)organize their research and development (R&D) over time as conditions for upgrading change. This paper systematically maps the R&D networks of China’s lead firms in the wind turbine industry. The empirical findings reveal that latecomer firms not only exploit but increasingly co-create vanguard knowledge in global R&D networks through organizational diversification. Taking an evolutionary perspective, the paper extends our understanding of the changing nature of upgrading mechanisms and provides new insights into the reorganization of innovation processes in an era of technological change.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftInnovation and Development
Vol/bind13
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)385-409
Antal sider25
ISSN2157-930X
DOI
StatusUdgivet - aug. 2023

Bibliografisk note

Published online: 17 Jan 2022.

Emneord

  • Latecomer firms
  • Upgrading of innovation capabilities
  • Global r&d networks
  • Wind energy
  • China

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