National innovation platform in China: Theory and evidence from the textile industry

In March 2008, in his report on Chinese Government work the Chinese Premier, Jiabao Wen, announced that China will put into effect a program of ldquoNational Innovation Platforms (NIP)rdquo to strengthen China's science and technology infrastructure and support technological innovation of enterprises, especially SMEs (Small and medium enterprises). Several NIPs, each of them subsidized by the central government with about 30 million USD, have been defined. However, the program is still at an experimental stage and some key issues remain ambiguous. Based on innovation theory and the practice in Chinese textile and garment industry, firstly this paper presents the theoretical foundation for the National Innovation System (NIS) approach and gives a preliminary conclusion regarding the relationship between the NIP as a public policy strategy and the analytical understanding of China's NIS. Secondly, on this basis it develops an analytical framework to guide the organization and implementation of NIP. Finally, it presents a case study of the NIP of Chinese textile industry showing the involved actors, organizational structure, operational mechanism, and performance. In the conclusions we will also offer some potential implications for management and public policy when it comes to the development of NIPs in China.