1. China IPR Monitor
Rational of the project
Globalization is seen as offering more opportunity for both developed and developing nations. The developed countries can obtain huge marketplace for their surplus producing power by selling goods, transferring their technology and receiving high return. The developing countries can acquire advanced technology and knowledge by opening their market, provide human resources, raw material and in return provide employment to their citizens and expand their economic return. Therefore, technology management and sound technology transfer in the international collaboration endeavors seem evident. Appropriate awareness and monitoring IPR is widely recognized as strategic approach in boosting science and technology innovation. IP strategy is the key in ensuring smooth technology and knowledge transfer. It assumes great importance in the ability of countries, companies and individual to embrace technological strategies and changes in order to advance their competitive advantages in a global marketplace. There is no doubt that appropriate IP strategy represents a solid foundation on which the knowledge economy can be built. It leverages the economic growth and development in both developed and developing world. It charts the strategic and operational guidance to economic development not only for the developing countries but also for the advanced and developed countries.
This research project attempts to examine current management practice of IPR in China and make contribution in establishing the appropriateness and effectiveness of intellectual property right strategy and increasing the awareness of issues of infringement of intellectual property right and attempts to propose a conceptual framework so as to establish a culture of innovation and a social environment both to the respect of other’s IP rights and the protection of one’s own. National IP system, in particular, the patent system, are strategically recognized as a foundation of the knowledge economy and a key element in promoting strong and competitive markets. It is arguably an instrument for boosting science and technology innovation and capacity building. However, any national IP strategy has to take into account of that country’s unique situation, requirements and priorities.
Contribution to Knowledge
This
study presents the crucial tenets of the strategic framework, which
underpins the identification of the appropriateness and
effectiveness of China’s intellectual property right strategy. The
distinctiveness of the study lies in
Aims and Objectives of the Project
Globalization means that we can access vast quantities of information all over the world and interact with a far greater diversity of people than has ever been possible before. Advance in science, engineering and technology have provided much of the knowledge underpinning the changes we have seen and the ability to innovate, adapt and use this knowledge has changed the way all of us live, work and communicate.
The primary aim of this project is to promote a culture of innovation and a social environment both to the respect of other’s IP rights and the protection of one’s own. In particular, the specific objectives are:
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To monitor IPR management and practice in China by organizing a series of academic activities with an aim to promote knowledge transfer to accelerate business exploitation of science and new technology
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To increase the awareness and understanding of issues of protection and/or infringement of intellectual property right;
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To establish the appropriateness and effectiveness of intellectual property right strategy in China drawing upon UK’s experience of IPR management and practice
Research Strategy
Two concepts, internal and external validity, are fundamental and crucial to developing research designs. Ideally research design should be both internally and externally valid. Therefore, the research project is composed of two major academic activities–the structured survey and interviews, and both of which are designed to be an integral part of the study. The structured survey will be undertaken while relevant workshops and seminars are being organized. In the meantime, interview will be carried out with key decision makers. It has been recognised that the structured survey will certainly generate valuable results, which might be the causal conclusions. However, it is believed that the interview will generate result in a much wider context, which will sustain the external validity. In order to minimise discrepancies between the data collected during the study and the phenomenon of the real world, the current research project has adopted a mixed methodology that combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches. UIBE MOTSC with its dedicated research team will undertake this project composing of a series of academic activities, such as, workshops, seminars, bespoke training course, international forums, journal publications, etc., by drawing expertise from appropriate institutions from the UK so as to achieve its aims and objectives.
Academic Activities Involved in the Project
This project will be underpinned by a series of academic activities, such as, workshops, seminars, bespoke training course, international forums, journal publications, etc., by drawing international expertise from appropriate institutions in particular from the UK. These activities will be organized in conjunction with ccollaborators in China and in the West.
The output of the project will be published online in the website of UIBEMOTSC and also published in the journal of Technology Management in China or journal of Chinese Economics and Foreign Trade Study.
2. China Firm Competitiveness Report
Description of the Project
This research project reviews various strategic frameworks in measuring competitiveness, marketing competences, strategic flexibility and capacity building of organizations and attempts to propose a conceptual framework to benchmark and rank the Chinese firms in terms of the competitiveness. The strategic framework aims to redefine key factors and different facets of competitiveness and conceptualize the creation of core competence, establishment of growth competitiveness index and the competitiveness rankings, which leads to the development of publication of China Firm Competitiveness Report. The purpose of publication of China Firm Competitiveness Report is to provide strategic insights and assistance firms in China and out of China when addressing issues of competitiveness and core competence and ultimately will contribute to the creation of competitiveness of their firms.
Research Strategy
Drawing on the strategic insights of rankings of competitiveness and empirical experiences of well established research centres and international associations worldwide, this project proposes a strategic framework and methodology which attempts to define competitiveness of firms with consideration of the strong features and peculiarities of firms in China. It examines and assesses the operation, performance and prospects of China’s industry and innovation system. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of keeping-up with the fast pace of technological change and the emerging new global paradigms of the business environment. It addresses the development trajectory and the way through which firms can contribute to the capacity building and create competitive advantage in facing pressing challenges in the globalization.
Contribution to Knowledge
This study presents the crucial tenets of the strategic framework, which underpins the philosophical notion and research methodology to conceptualize (1) Creating of Core Competence, (2) Establishment of Competitiveness Index and the Competitiveness Rankings. These are closely linked with development strategy, marketing strategy and technology innovation strategy of firms. They have strong implication to Chinese and foreign enterprises and will be an invaluable instrument in benchmarking the current position of firms and in determining how to create competitiveness. This also provides essential information for policy makers to benchmark enterprise and innovation policies.
