Evolution of technology policies in China: a comparative analysis between central and local levels

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to implement a comparative analysis on the evolution of technology policies of central and local governments in China and to uncover the relationship of technology policies.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative method based on policy contents from policy power, policy goals and policy instruments was developed to build a policy database and, taking Jiangsu province's policy practice as an example, was used to comparatively analyze the evolutionary process and the relationship of technology policies issued by central and local governments in China.FindingsComparative analysis shows that technology policies of central government are focused on the strategy of “Market in Exchange for Technology”. However, technology absorption as the critical part to realize the strategy was neglected due to the competition of interests among different agents. Local government has gradually developed a different technology development strategy to promote independent innovation on the basis of its better economic and science and technology conditions. So, the correlation coefficients of technology policies between central and local (Jiangsu) governments on policy power, policy instruments and policy goals have decreased continually.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the limitation of data and time, this paper adopted quantification criteria on the contents of policies. Also, it is necessary to explore the coordination of technology policies between central and local governments.Practical implicationsChinese technology policies should balance administrative rights reasonably between central and local governments and promote the coordination among the central authority, ministries, commissions, local governments and enterprises.Originality/valueThis paper has made a novel quantitative and comparative analysis about the relationship of technology policies between central and local (Jiangsu) governments.