Publication

Abstract : China has challenged the dominance of advanced OECD countries in high technologies by emerging as a leading country in nanotechnology; projected as a key technology of the 21st century. Stakes are high as estimated market value and economic and social benefits are immense for countries that can attain competency in this technology. The study makes a broad assessment of nanotechnology performance of China; to reveal to what extent it is making an assertion in this technology. We then investigate macro and micro level policies and strategies in China's emergence as a key player in nanotechnology. China's emergence in nanotechnology is discussed in a broader context to distill how a country that is still at a low end of technology value chain with limited innovative ability has been able to create capacity and capability in a high technology area. This can be learning for countries in transition that face similar constraints in trying to become an `innovation oriented' society.