The Quotidian Labour of High Tech: Innovation and Ordinary Work in Shenzhen. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stevens, Hallam
• Other Names: Sharif Naubahar guest-editor.; Huang Yu guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Science, technology & society. Volume 24:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 218
• Page End: 236
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Shenzhen -- innovation -- Huaqiangbei -- makerspaces -- electronics -- industrial design; Technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Science -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 509
• DOI: 10.1177/0971721819841997
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0971-7218

Abstract

The literature on the production of high-tech electronics in China—following a Silicon Valley model—focuses on either large-scale manufacturing or the role of start-ups and 'makers'. The aim of this article is to turn to other kinds of spaces and work in the production of high-tech electronics. I focus here on three kinds of spaces in Shenzhen: the Huaqiangbei electronics market, small-scale factories and industrial design workshops. The electronics economy depends critically not just on 'makers' but on all kinds of other labour. In particular, it depends on lower middle-class and low-class work—devices made by small factories and shops, sold by small enterprises and designed for the less wealthy, especially in developing countries. The human networks that connect these individuals are critical to the size, speed and density of the markets, allowing devices to be built and shipped rapidly, for parts and customers to be available.