Technological Superpower China - Hardcover

`This knowledgeable book by Sigurdson and his collaborators is a solid contribution to this emerging corpus of work, and clearly belongs at the former end of the spectrum.' -- Richard P. Suttmeier, China Quarterly `Is China about to become a technological superpower? Is it only a highly efficient user of foreign technology or will it be able to innovate and challenge Europe, the US and Japan in technology as it is in manufacturing? Who are the main actors behind its technological development? These are some of the questions that concern policymakers and analysts the world over - and on which there are few available answers. Jon Sigurdson provides some fascinating and persuasive answers in this book. He describes, simply and clearly, the evolution of Chinese technology, its international links and its current trajectory. As one of the most knowledgeable people outside the region on Chinese technology and policy, he has done an invaluable service by providing detailed information on and insights into government strategy, company behaviour and the institutional framework. As a development economist working on technology policy, I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the Chinese "threat" and the lessons of its highly focused and targeted strategy.' -- The late Sanjaya Lall, Oxford University, UK

Technological Superpower China explores how China is becoming a technological superpower within the global economy by integrating its national R&D programmes with the innovation systems of national and international corporations. Jon Sigurdson provides a thorough and comprehensive analysis of China's knowledge foundation in technology and R&D following its dynamic march forward in the early 1980s. The author describes how China's narrow window of opportunity - before becoming an ageing nation - has prompted the country to hurriedly mobilize resources in the hope of becoming a technological superpower within the next few decades. He examines how advances in higher education, human resources development, technology access through FDI, technology transfer, ICT, space and defence technology and corporate technology are being exploited in the race to emerge as an advanced knowledge economy nation. Exploring the changes in China that are transforming the technological landscape of the country, this book will be a fascinating read for academics, students and researchers interested in China's development, the foundations of its economic growth and its role in regional and political affairs.