Japanese multinational companies' technological innovation in China

2013 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 25780230
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Research Institution: Hitotsubashi University
• Principal Investigator: 孫 康勇 一橋大学, 大学院国際企業戦略研究科, 准教授 (60620292)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: innovation / China

Research Abstract

I have conducted three case studies of Japanese companies’ innovation activities in China. The three case companies are Panasonic, Daikin and Nissan. More specifically, (1) I have done interviews with managers of the three companies, both in China and Japan, and (2) I have written three cases on these three companies’ management of technological innovation in China, particularly the related human resource management system and strategy. I plan to submit the three cases for publication to the Hitotsubashi Business Review.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

The goal of the first year research was to conduct in depth case studies in order to further develop my theoretical framework. I believe I have been keeping on the track and the progress is smooth so far.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

I will continue working the case studies and try to publish the three cases (Panasonic, Daikin and Nissan) at Hitotsubashi Business Review.

Expenditure Plans for the Next FY Research Funding

(1) I was not able to find qualified research assistant to help me on the case study.
(2) I planned to conduct one more case study on Shiseido in China (including field visits to Shiseido’s subsidiary in China and HQ in Japan), but I could not schedule the visits within the year 2013-2014.
(1) I plan to travel to China three times for field visits (to visit Shiseido in China and Daikin in China).
(2) I plan to go to U.S. once to attend the Academy of Management conference.
(3) I plan to pay the research assistant monthly for 10 months.