Mobius: a case study [reverse technology transfer]

Abstract

Mobius presents an in-depth look at a Sino-U.S. equity joint venture established in the People's Republic of China in 1994. It is a case of reverse technology transfer in which a US company (founded by ethnic Chinese), seeking an entry into the Chinese market, is induced to establish a joint venture in China in response to a purported "world class technology" breakthrough by a respected Chinese university. The case is highly relevant as it illustrates present problems in the Chinese marketplace; levels of technology in developing countries, protection of intellectual property rights, and partnership interactions.