Innovation Network Formation and the Catalyzing State: A Study of Two Innovative Industry Clusters in China

This study addresses the changing role of government in China’s triple-helix constellation among government, industry and universities via an exploratory case study in two innovative industry clusters in China. It finds that (a) local governments are motivated to facilitate innovation networking processes, but rather not to exert full control over these; (b) New Research and Development Institutes (NRDIs) play a crucial role in the evolution and operation of innovative industry clusters in China. They derive their importance from incorporating strong market elements in the operations of government-affiliated institutions; (c) facilitating localization and cluster development has been a crucial element for stimulating innovation-driven transformation. These findings invite us to propose a catalyzing-state conception of the role of government in China’s innovation system. This innovative concept may refresh the discussion of how far China should be perceived as representing a statist triple helix model.