Competing Strategies of FDI and Technology Transfer to China: American and Japanese Firms

Abstract

This is a report based on four field site visits of Sino-foreign joint ventures in China. Two American and two Japanese joint ventures in electronics and auto parts were visited in the Shanghai area in December 1997. The joint ventures were Shanghai Raychem, Shanghai Fleetguard, Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator, and Shanghai Koito. Although the sample size is extremely small, it does appear as if there are notable differences in how American and Japanese firms transfer technology to China and in their motivations for doing so. Further fieldwork-based research to capture and clarify these differences is recommended.