Technology exchange patterns in China: an analysis of regional data

Abstract

There is much interest in technology exchange in the literature, but relatively little research directly provides understanding of technology exchange patterns at a regional level within a country. This study uses a unique dataset of Chinese patent licensing to study technology exchange patterns in thirty Chinese provinces since 2000. Our results indicate that five distinct technology exchange patterns have recently emerged in China: importers, exporters, self-sustainers, active generalists, and isolationists. To illustrate a refined map of these exchange patterns, we used a blockmodel analysis. We found two leading blocks in China that are active in technology exchange within and across blocks. Although many less-developed provinces have begun participating in regional technology exchange networks, the scale of technology exchange in these provinces is lower, and they are more active as net technology importers. Our results provide the basis for firms to form technology strategies and for governors to promote the growth of regional technology exchanges.