The Development of Innovation Studies in China

Innovation studies (IS) has been an interdisciplinary research field over decades of development, based on economics, business and management, sociology, policy, organization studies, and other related subjects. This chapter examines the origin and evolution of the field of IS and systematically reviews the key academic achievements and contributors in the IS community. This chapter also proposes a comprehensive and integrated research review for IS in China. In fact, despite its irreplaceable and essential role in economy, innovation also enjoys an important position in theoretical research in China. Based on unique innovation management practices in Chinese enterprises, Chinese scholars have proposed several unique innovation theories, such as “3I pattern” (imitation, improvement, and innovation), indigenous innovation, total innovation management, etc. Now, during its transition from a major innovative nation to a super innovative nation, China is facing the challenge of how to stimulate more major innovation patterns that would “change the world” in the era of the knowledge economy; thus, based on a holistic review of Chinese innovation journey, we propose a Chinese innovation paradigm and discuss future directions for Chinese IS.