Science Research Management ›› 2011, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (7): 9-17.

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Heterogeneous complementarity and technological innovation ofJapanese firms in the globalization

Zhang Huayao1, Shi Xiaokun2   

  1. 1. College of Business and Administration, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China;
    2. School of Finance, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310035, China
  • Received:2009-11-02 Revised:2010-04-12 Online:2011-07-27 Published:2011-07-14

Abstract: Japanese firms have been showing different characteristics in the innovation globalization. The patents of Japanese firms are analyzed to show whether or not they are performing the international wisdom of heterogeneous complementarity in the innovation. Patents from the database of OECD triadic patent families of five Japanese firms and two benchmark American firms in addition to all patent families within area H (Electrics) are analyzed. The results show that although Japanese firms have stronger centralization tendency comparing with their America rivals in innovation, in term of application of resources seeking and capability complementary strategies, Japanese firms stand the same position with their American counterparts. The meaning is that Chinese firms should be paid much attention not only to the backword status of Japanese firms in the innovation globalization, but also to their enterprise innovative strategy in the changing trends.

Key words: innovation, patent, heterogeneity, complementarity

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