Dynamic patterns of technology collaboration: a case study of the Chinese automobile industry, 1985–2010

Yuandi Wang, Jian Li (), Lutao Ning, Deming Zeng and Xin Gu
Additional contact information
Yuandi Wang: Sichuan University
Jian Li: Hunan University
Lutao Ning: Queen Mary, University of London
Deming Zeng: Hunan University
Xin Gu: Sichuan University

Scientometrics, 2014, vol. 101, issue 1, No 30, 663-683

Abstract: Abstract To investigate patterns of technology collaboration within the Chinese automobile industry, this study employs a unique dataset of patent applications that reveal a record of 64,938 collaborative relations in the industry during the period from 1985 to 2010. Our results indicate that over 60 % of the total collaborations were conducted after China entered the WTO. The invention and utility types of patents account for 98 % of the total collaborations throughout the sample period. Using a network analysis method, we find that the key differences between domestic enterprises collaborating with indigenous enterprises (DD collaboration) and with foreign firms (DF collaboration) are in patent types and technology domains. The DF network is also denser and more centralized than the DD network, although the amount of nodes and links of the DD network is greater than that of the DF collaboration network. The analysis and visualization of the collaboration networks and corresponding largest components reveal that a large number of domestic enterprises prefer to collaborate with top global automobile manufacturers. We also find that a number of universities have become key players in the collaborations among industry, universities and research institutes. This study provides a deeper understanding of technology collaborations from various perspectives and also highlights several avenues for future research.

Keywords: Collaboration; Network; Patent; Evolution process; Automobile industry; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11192-014-1366-8

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