In China, as in other countries, pre-competitive research constitutes the basis of techno-economic development beyond imitation and adaptation. While acknowledging the nation’s concerted efforts to improve the situation, most empirical accounts of science-industry linkages in China remain sceptical about local universities’ ability to meaningfully transfer knowledge and technologies. Against this background, we change perspective and analyse the perceptions of selected technology-oriented firms in Beijing. Interestingly, we find that there is a notable core of technology firms with fairly close linkages to universities and research institutions.
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