Science-Based Innovation in China: A Case Study of Artemisinin from Laboratory to the Market

Abstract

Science-based innovation emerged from novel and discontinuous innovations which provoked irreversible yet significant changes in science and technology. This research investigated the commercialization process of artemisinin, a typical science-based innovation in China. Due to her research involvement with artimisinin (qinghaosu), Tu Youyou received the 2011 Lasker Award in clinical medicine and the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly with William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura. In this paper, the authors reviewed the process of artemisinin’s innovation from labs in a research institute to its entrance into the market. Based on the research, we reached the following conclusions. First, during the process of science-based innovation, a “new technology platform” might be established and a series of applications might be invented. Second, the extensive cooperation among research institutions and companies played a vital role in the science-based innovation. Third, the science-based innovation emerged through multidisciplinary research teams as well as contacts among scientists with cross-fields expertise. Fourth, for science-based innovation, early research funding mainly relied on public funds. During the commercialization stage, corporate funding plays a major role. Fifth, a clear research objective, an overall planning, coordination, and the stability of policies were also important factors in the entire science-based innovation process.