Science Research Management

Science Research Management ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (11): 42-53.DOI: 10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2025.11.005

• 5DDD299A-561 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research on the breakthrough path of core and key technologies for latecomer enterprises: A case study of Changan Auto′s engine technology

Rao Yangde1, Zou Ying1, Liu Peng1, Huang Xuan1, Gan Xiumei2, Zhao Lu3   

  1. 1. School of Management Science and Engineering, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China;
    2. School of Business Administration, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China;
    3. School of Urban Economics and Management, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 102616, China
  • Received:2025-03-03 Revised:2025-08-06 Accepted:2025-08-08 Online:2025-11-20 Published:2025-11-07

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Abstract:     The breakthrough of core and key technologies by latecomer enterprises is crucial for achieving national technological self-reliance and industrial upgrading. This study adopted a longitudinal singlecase research approach, and examined Changan Auto′s engine technology to construct an evolutionary process model of breakthrough paths for core and key technologies in latecomer enterprises. The research findings are as follows: (1) the impetus for core and key technology breakthroughs stems from a dual-driven mechanism that combines exogenous and endogenous factors; (2) the breakthrough path follows an "explicit technology traction-implicit capability leap" model, exhibiting a four-stage dynamic evolutionary goal; (3) explicit technological practices evolve progressively through the sequence of "extensive search-knowledge absorption-deep accumulation-knowledge creation-system integration-local leadership",  driving the implicit capability system to achieve hierarchical leaps from "technical foundation building-innovation capability cultivation-integration capability construction-global competitiveness ascension"; (4) technological innovation capability develops following the logic of "knowledge absorption-deep accumulation-knowledge creation", establishing latecomer enterprises′ dual momentum for outward breakthroughs and inward refinement; and (5) the "explicit technology-implicit capability" breakthrough model triggers bidirectional restructuring between "firm-market" systems, organizationally shifting practices from imitation and adaptation to standard-setting while structurally disrupting conventional market architectures, manifesting a "creative destruction" dynamic. This study will offer latecomers a practical paradigm for breaking the chokehold on core and key technologies, thus forging their own autonomous innovation chains, and facilitating the micro-level upgrading of industrial value chains.

Key words: core and key technology, latecomer enterprise, explicit technology, implicit capability, breakthrough path