The tamest of tigers? Understanding Hong Kong's innovation system and innovation policies. (23rd January 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharif, Naubahar; Baark, Erik
• Is Part Of: International journal of technology and globalisation. Volume 1:Number 3/4(2005)
• Page Start: 462
• Page End: 479
• Publication Date: 2006-01-23
• Subjects: Hong Kong -- innovation systems -- innovation policy -- newly industrialising economies -- NIE -- tiger economies -- East Asia -- technology adoption -- globalisation; Globalization -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Political aspects -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 337.05
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-5667

Abstract

Using Hong Kong as a case study, this paper explicates the innovation system in a 'Tiger' economy that has been less successful in making up lost technological ground than neighbouring Tiger economies. The paper outlines two important sides of Hong Kong's innovation system: its strengths, characterised by a focus on flexible linkages, learning patterns, absorptive capabilities and exploitation of existing technology; and its weaknesses, characterised by fragmentation in its current innovation policy mix, which has adversely affected its success in innovation-intensive fields. We argue that this policy mix needs urgent remediation if Hong Kong is to pull even in introducing technology and innovation policies.