Time: 21：00-22:30, April 23, 2015

Venue: Room 302, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University

Introduction

This paper compares the knowledge bases of lead wind turbine firms across Asia and Europe, which may imply different innovation competitiveness for future pathways. It compares (a) the trajectories of key technologies, (b) the external knowledge networks, and (c) the globalization of knowledge application. The paper finds that the knowledge bases are highly different between European and Asian lead firms. We find that European lead firms have broader and deeper knowledge bases than their Asian counterparts. European firms stand out as technology leaders as well as strong knowledge producers with a global reach. Indian Suzlon has successfully integrated a European knowledge base and stands out as a strong European competitor. By contrast, Chinese lead firms have narrower knowledge bases, more limited and unidirectional knowledge networks and are highly domestic in orientation with respect to the application of new knowledge. Our quantitative analyses provide both empirical validations of prior qualitative inquiries as well as fresh insights. Our findings suggest that European lead firms are likely to continue to be first movers in the creation of new technology pathways. Chinese firms may have limited opportunities for technological leapfrogging in the near future. However, through adopting selective knowledge base strengthening strategies, Asian lead firms may challenge European firms within the established trajectories.

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