| Hidden Innovation Champions in Transforming Economies: A New Pillar of Economic Development? |
Received:November 27, 2017 Revised:November 27, 2017 |
Key Words: Innovation Champion Transforming Economy |
| Author Name | Affiliation | | Arie Lewin* | Duke University | | Xiaobo Wu | Zhejiang University |
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Abstract: |
| Since the publication of “Hidden Champion: Lessons from 500 of the world's best unknown companies” by Herman Simon, (1996) there has grown a research and consulting cottage industry focusing on discovering hidden champions in the transforming economies of the world. China probably represents the largest SME ecology in the world. However, the number of documented cases of hidden innovation champions is very small. Companies such St Allen (nail clippers); Pearl River Piano Group Co.(pianos); Greatview (Aseptic Packaging); Xinhecheng, (manufacturer of Vitamin A and Vitamin E as feed additives); Soton, (drinking straw); Yinlun, (manufacturer of oil cooler); Dayilong, manufacturer of packaging machines for drinks); and Sanlishi, manufacturer of conveyor); are indicative of China’s enormous potential to develop and benefit from a vibrant ecology of hidden innovation champions. The purpose of this symposium is to explore institutional and entrepreneurial dynamics affecting the potential for nurturing emergence of the China’s hidden innovation champions by sector, city and regions. Discovery and identification of industry clusters in new and established entrepreneurial cities (e.g. Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Changsha, etc.), leadership attributes of new founders, institutional changes and policy initiatives that open institutional voids and create the space for emergence of a venture capital industry specializing in identifying, organizing, and promoting investments in hidden innovation champions in China. |
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