Impact

Dec. 2 workshop to focus on China's technological trajectory

A workshop titled "China’s Emerging Technological Trajectory: Challenges and Opportunities" will be held beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 in Room 110 of the Business Building (Smeal Auditorium) on the University Park campus. The objective of this workshop is to develop a deeper, more profound understanding of the goals and intentions of the Chinese government regarding its strategy for promoting greater levels of indigenous innovation. Registration is not required and the event is free and open to the public.

For more information, email Erich Schienke at erich@psu.edu. The workshop is sponsored by Penn State's Confucius Institute, the Center for Global Studies, and the Science, Technology and Society Program.

Workshop abstract:

Formally initiated in early 2006 as part of the launch of the 15 Year Medium-to-Long Term Plan for Science and Technology (2006-2020), the push for indigenous innovation has prompted a great deal of controversy among foreign observers, many of whom are concerned about the seemingly protectionist dimensions of the current set of policies. At the same time, it also must be recognized that the effort to enhance the quality and quantity of indigenous innovation must be viewed in the context of China’s pressing need to transition the Chinese economy away from dependence on the so-called “factory to the world” model. Under this model, while growth has been extensive, it has also brought with it numerous difficulties, including many negative consequences regarding China’s environment and also in terms of Chinese excessive reliance on the burning of fossil fuels. Bringing together a select group of experts from academia, government, and business, this workshop will serve as a vehicle for addressing core questions. 

 

Panel No. 1: 2:30 to 4 p.m. -- China’s Innovation System-Goals and Hurdles

Moderator: Erich Schienke, Penn State 

Panel No. 1 discussants: Mark Cohen, Fordham University and Darryl Farber, Penn State

-- "China’s Innovation System in a Global Context" - Denis Simon, University of Oregon 

-- "China’s Evolving IPR Regime -- Is China Really an Intellectual Property Pirate?" - R.P. Suttmeier, University of Oregon (Emeritus)

-- "China and India: Innovation Leaders or Followers?" Carl Dahlman, Georgetown University

 

Panel No. 2: 4:15 to 6 p.m. -- China’s Innovation Dilemmas and Hurdles

Moderator: Denis Simon, University of Oregon 

Panel No. 2 discussants: R.P. Suttmeier, Univeristy of Oregon (Emeritus) and Yifei Sun, Cal State Northridge

-- "Creativity, Chinese Style: The Role of Chinese Culture" - Ping Li Psychology, Penn State 

-- "The Legal Dimensions of IPR in China: Constraints on Domestic Innovation and Entrepreneurship" - Mark Cohen, Fordham University

-- "Closing the High Tech Gap: Can China Re-create the Silicon Valley Experience?" - Yu Zhou, Vassar College

-- "Environmental Issues and China’s Innovation Priorities: Is the Chinese Model Sustainability Focused?" - Erich Schienke, Penn State

Last Updated January 9, 2015