Compact organizational space and technological catch-up: Comparison of China's three leading automotive groups

Joint Program Reprint • Journal Article
  • China Energy & Climate Project
Compact organizational space and technological catch-up: Comparison of China's three leading automotive groups
Nam, K.-M. (2014)
Research Policy, 44(Feb 2015): 258-272 (doi: 10.1016/j.respol.2014.08.002)

Reprint 2014-18 [Download]

Abstract/Summary:

This study examines why compact organizational space may matter for technological catch-up, through a comparison of China's leading automotive groups. The comparative analysis demonstrates that the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) surpasses its two local rivals in terms of technological capabilities partly because the firm has managed its organizational space in close connection with intensive growth strategies at the group level. SAIC has greatly benefited from compact organizational space in building technological capabilities, as it encourages the mobilization and integration of internal resources and promotes group-wide synergy for an effective internalization of acquired assets.

© 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Citation:

Nam, K.-M. (2014): Compact organizational space and technological catch-up: Comparison of China's three leading automotive groups. Research Policy, 44(Feb 2015): 258-272 (doi: 10.1016/j.respol.2014.08.002) (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048733314001437)
  • Joint Program Reprint
  • Journal Article
China Project
Compact organizational space and technological catch-up: Comparison of China's three leading automotive groups

Nam, K.-M.

Research Policy
2014-18
44(Feb 2015): 258-272 (doi: 10.1016/j.respol.2014.08.002)

Abstract/Summary: 

This study examines why compact organizational space may matter for technological catch-up, through a comparison of China's leading automotive groups. The comparative analysis demonstrates that the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) surpasses its two local rivals in terms of technological capabilities partly because the firm has managed its organizational space in close connection with intensive growth strategies at the group level. SAIC has greatly benefited from compact organizational space in building technological capabilities, as it encourages the mobilization and integration of internal resources and promotes group-wide synergy for an effective internalization of acquired assets.

© 2014 Elsevier B.V.

[ARTICLE PDF]