The Political Economy of Science, Technology, and Innovation in China

Demystifies the role of the Chinese state in its development of S&T and innovation using the theory of political economy.

Framed in the political economy, the book reveals the role of the Chinese state in the country's development in S&T and innovation. It appeals to scholars of business and management, innovation, and contemporary China studies as well as policymakers of emerging economies, executives interested in doing business in China.There are a variety of reasons underlying the remarkable development of science and technology (S&T), and innovation in post-1978 China. This book seeks to achieve an understanding of such development from an institutional or a political economy perspective. Departing from the literature of S&T and innovation studies that treats innovation as a market or enterprise's behavior in Schumpeter's sense, Sun and Cao argue that it involves politics, institutions, and the role of the state. In particular, they examine how the Chinese state has played its visible role in making innovation policies, allocating funding for R&D programs, making efforts to attract talent, and organizing critical S&T programs. This book appeals to scholars in S&T and innovation policy, political economy, innovation governance, and China studies as well as policymakers and business executives.