Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 484-495 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | GEOFORUM |
| Volume | 42 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 25 Jun 2011 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Abstract
This paper analyzes the network structure and R&D activities of the information and communication technology (ICT) industry in Suzhou municipality, known previously for its local state-directed Sunan model of development. Suzhou, however, has been undergoing dramatic restructuring to remake itself into a globalizing production center. We highlight the significance of the Chinese state and local/regional assets in shaping the trajectories of globalization and regional development, and the increasing importance of domestic markets and regional clusters/agglomeration for foreign ventures. We have found that Suzhou's development path, heavily dependent on external forces, has made Suzhou a TNC (transnational corporation) satellite district. We also find that the ICT industry in Suzhou has a dual-structure, segmented between foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and domestic firms. TNCs tend to network among themselves and their interfirm networks are increasingly domestic and regionally embedded in the Yangtze River Delta, while the linkages between TNCs and local firms are weak. We argue that there is a series of technological, structural, spatial, and institutional " mismatches" that limits the establishment of " global pipelines" of knowledge exchange. We hold that the nature of global-local networks is contingent upon regional endogenous capacities and the specific ways in which global capital interacts with local institutions. Therefore, perspectives on TNCs' local embeddedness must be positioned in their regional/external networks. We also analyze the constraints placed on Suzhou's development into an innovative city and promote the integration of global and local/regional assets through development of indigenous capacities.
Keywords
- China, Globalization, ICT industry, Innovation, Regional development
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences(all)
- Sociology and Political Science
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In: GEOFORUM, Vol. 42, No. 4, 07.2011, p. 484-495.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Network configurations and R&D activities of the ICT industry in Suzhou municipality, China
AU - Dennis Wei, Y. H.
AU - Liefner, Ingo
AU - Miao, Chang Hong
PY - 2011/7
Y1 - 2011/7
N2 - This paper analyzes the network structure and R&D activities of the information and communication technology (ICT) industry in Suzhou municipality, known previously for its local state-directed Sunan model of development. Suzhou, however, has been undergoing dramatic restructuring to remake itself into a globalizing production center. We highlight the significance of the Chinese state and local/regional assets in shaping the trajectories of globalization and regional development, and the increasing importance of domestic markets and regional clusters/agglomeration for foreign ventures. We have found that Suzhou's development path, heavily dependent on external forces, has made Suzhou a TNC (transnational corporation) satellite district. We also find that the ICT industry in Suzhou has a dual-structure, segmented between foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and domestic firms. TNCs tend to network among themselves and their interfirm networks are increasingly domestic and regionally embedded in the Yangtze River Delta, while the linkages between TNCs and local firms are weak. We argue that there is a series of technological, structural, spatial, and institutional " mismatches" that limits the establishment of " global pipelines" of knowledge exchange. We hold that the nature of global-local networks is contingent upon regional endogenous capacities and the specific ways in which global capital interacts with local institutions. Therefore, perspectives on TNCs' local embeddedness must be positioned in their regional/external networks. We also analyze the constraints placed on Suzhou's development into an innovative city and promote the integration of global and local/regional assets through development of indigenous capacities.
AB - This paper analyzes the network structure and R&D activities of the information and communication technology (ICT) industry in Suzhou municipality, known previously for its local state-directed Sunan model of development. Suzhou, however, has been undergoing dramatic restructuring to remake itself into a globalizing production center. We highlight the significance of the Chinese state and local/regional assets in shaping the trajectories of globalization and regional development, and the increasing importance of domestic markets and regional clusters/agglomeration for foreign ventures. We have found that Suzhou's development path, heavily dependent on external forces, has made Suzhou a TNC (transnational corporation) satellite district. We also find that the ICT industry in Suzhou has a dual-structure, segmented between foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and domestic firms. TNCs tend to network among themselves and their interfirm networks are increasingly domestic and regionally embedded in the Yangtze River Delta, while the linkages between TNCs and local firms are weak. We argue that there is a series of technological, structural, spatial, and institutional " mismatches" that limits the establishment of " global pipelines" of knowledge exchange. We hold that the nature of global-local networks is contingent upon regional endogenous capacities and the specific ways in which global capital interacts with local institutions. Therefore, perspectives on TNCs' local embeddedness must be positioned in their regional/external networks. We also analyze the constraints placed on Suzhou's development into an innovative city and promote the integration of global and local/regional assets through development of indigenous capacities.
KW - China
KW - Globalization
KW - ICT industry
KW - Innovation
KW - Regional development
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79959851622&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.geoforum.2011.03.005
DO - 10.1016/j.geoforum.2011.03.005
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:79959851622
VL - 42
SP - 484
EP - 495
JO - GEOFORUM
JF - GEOFORUM
SN - 0016-7185
IS - 4
ER -