A regional innovation system in a small-sized region: A clustering model in Zhongguancun Science Park

Abstract

China, since the beginning of its ‘open door’ policy, has done much to reform its National Innovation System, recognising that its ambitious agenda for science and technology could only delivered by a focus on the regional. In 1988 China's first science park, by far the largest in Asia, was created at Zhongguancun Science Park (ZSP) near Beijing. ZSP was established following visits by Chinese scientists to Route 128 and Silicon Valley in the USA, and the importation of perceived best practice to China. ZSP is analysed as a Regional Innovation System, comprising high-technology firms and institutional infrastructure within five clusters. This approach highlights the interactions and knowledge flows between the elements of the system. The five clusters comprise: high technology entrepreneurs/enterprises, institutions, support endowments, government and intermediaries clusters, each of which is made up of a number of elements. ZSP closely interacts with China's NIS, some national R&D laboratories and a number of national universities located within the science park.