Innovation at the middle of the pyramid: State policy, market segmentation, and the Chinese automotive sector. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thun, Eric
• Is Part Of: Technovation. Volume 70/71(2018)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: China -- Frugal innovation -- Cost innovation -- Automotive -- Industrial upgrading -- Base of the pyramid -- Industrial policy; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Periodicals; Innovations -- Périodiques; Gestion d'entreprise -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 658.57
• DOI: 10.1016/j.technovation.2018.02.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0166-4972

Abstract

Abstract: While emerging markets are widely seen as a favorable environment for cost innovation, the existing literature has difficulty explaining why in some cases cost innovation provides a solid foundation for upgrading but in other cases it does not. This paper focuses on how different market segments (low-, medium-, and high-end) within an industrial sector each play a unique role in the development process, and how the absence of any segment may inhibit the upward trajectory of emerging market firms. The low-end offers new entrants "natural" protection from foreign firms with higher cost structures, and allows local firms to cultivate their capabilities, engage in cost innovation, and gain scale. The high-end is dominated by foreign firms that have better access to human resources, capital and technology. The middle segment is a crucial pathway for the development of new capabilities because it forces foreign and local firms to combine and re-combine their respective resources in new ways so as to achieve the exact ratio of price and quality demanded by "value for money" customers. Because market segmentation is shaped by a range of state policies that affect both the demand- and the supply-side, the state may inadvertently restrict the growth of segments that contribute crucial ingredients to the process of capability-building, and adversely affect upgrading outcomes. Highlights: Different market segments each play a distinct role in the innovation process. State policy plays a key role in shaping market segmentation. Middle segments are a crucial pathway for the development of new capabilities. Adjusting the price/quality ratio is the key challenge in middle segments. Middle segments force new entrants and incumbents to blend capabilities.