We explore the technological characteristics of medium and medium high-tech Chinese MNEs undertaking cross-border acquisitions in EU, US and Japan. We highlight their role as connecting nodes between home and host regions, characterized by different degrees of technological distance. We measure the latter through a Technology Proximity Index, which shows how homogeneous the technological classes in which home and host regions apply for patents. The descriptive analysis is based on a sample of 95 acquisitions occurred between 2003 and 2011 and on the investors’ patent portfolio characteristics, such as technology specialization, experience, size and number of collaborative patents. The main findings are: (i) investors with stronger knowledge bases, that is with more diversified and larger patent portfolios, are more likely to invest in more technologically distant regions; (ii) although they are more involved in collaborative patents either at home and abroad, they are not more likely than other Chinese MNEs to establish international patenting collaborations.
Chinese MNEs bridging technologies across home and host regions
GIULIANI, ELISA;
2017-01-01
Abstract
We explore the technological characteristics of medium and medium high-tech Chinese MNEs undertaking cross-border acquisitions in EU, US and Japan. We highlight their role as connecting nodes between home and host regions, characterized by different degrees of technological distance. We measure the latter through a Technology Proximity Index, which shows how homogeneous the technological classes in which home and host regions apply for patents. The descriptive analysis is based on a sample of 95 acquisitions occurred between 2003 and 2011 and on the investors’ patent portfolio characteristics, such as technology specialization, experience, size and number of collaborative patents. The main findings are: (i) investors with stronger knowledge bases, that is with more diversified and larger patent portfolios, are more likely to invest in more technologically distant regions; (ii) although they are more involved in collaborative patents either at home and abroad, they are not more likely than other Chinese MNEs to establish international patenting collaborations.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
