How latecomers realize “going global” through technological catch-up: a longitudinal case study

Yu You (), Yun Liu () and Ruixue Zhao ()
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Yu You: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yun Liu: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ruixue Zhao: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

The Journal of Technology Transfer, 2025, vol. 50, issue 3, No 17, 1269-1296

Abstract: Abstract The intricate relationship between technological catch-up and outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) in developing nations, exemplified by China, stands as a cutting-edge area within the domain of enterprise innovation and internationalization. While an extensive body of literature focuses on elucidating how latecomers can effectively achieve technological catch-up through overseas investment and mergers and acquisitions, enabling them to acquire advanced technology and valuable experience, comparatively less attention has been given to examining the mechanisms by which technological catch-up propels the OFDI process of enterprises. To address this gap, this study conducts a longitudinal case analysis of the “going global” trajectory of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. (CRRC-ZL), transitioning from a follower to a leading industry player. By synthesizing the concepts of technological catch-up with the Ownership, Location, and Internalization (OLI) paradigm, we construct a comprehensive model elucidating the internal processes propelling enterprises towards technological catch-up and subsequent “going global.” This research builds a bridge from technology catch-up to OFDI for latecomer companies, offering valuable managerial insights for latecomers navigating the strategic challenges of advancing beyond catch-up and entering international markets.

Keywords: Technological catch-up; The OLI paradigm; OFDI; Internationalization; Longitudinal case study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F23 O32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10961-024-10135-0

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