Introduction to the Special Issue on the New Silk Road of Innovation: R&D Networks, Knowledge Diffusions, and Open Innovation

The Silk Road connected the East and West for almost 2,000 years from B.C. 300 to 1700s. It provided a network of trade routes as well mechanism reciprocal exchange knowledge that stimulated diffused great innovations such printing, textiles, gun powder. However, with shifting center gravity economic activity over recent centuries, thriving declined largely faded away. And one consequence, flows between became intermittent more unidirectional, Western nations playing central roles in global networks many Eastern countries recipients technologies transferred elsewhere. This context has now changed. Recent research identified new trend international technology transfer corporate strategies, ‘reverse’ West, South-South transfers, which challenge models centuries (Hart Christensen, 2002; Govindarajan Ramamurti, 2011; Zhou et al., 2016, 2020). ‘Belt Road’ initiative (BRI, or so-called ‘New Road’), proposed by Chinese government 2013, its overarching aim re-connection Asia, Central Africa, Middle East, Europe aspects economics, politics, society. In particular, innovation collaborations among these regions are becoming key focal areas this initiative. Special Issue (SI) aims highlight need expand our understanding paradigms cultivating development along enabled BRI connects traditional leaders those catching up Asia. SI attempts develop an analytical framework study based on six articles focused around three different topics. first topic is catch-up opportunities BRI; second collaboration BRI, third technology-transfer practices BRI. These topics form dimensions studying SI. Firstly, provides technology-followers catch potentially leapfrog current leaders, given rapid economies (de la Tour Li 2015). Successful requires followers local science-technology infrastructure (Chen 2012), involves approaches cross-border diffusion within (Häussler, 2010; Tang, 2016). Collinson Liu (2019) recently found multinational enterprises (MNEs) firms can generate superior performance because MNEs China provide partners technologies, solid intellectual property (IP) rights, advanced capabilities process product development. factors make so attractive foreign investors also explored works Gassmann Han (2004) von Zedtwitz (2004). Back at beginning 2000s, was already most R&D intensive country world, not only thanks investment percentage GDP, 1.3% 2002 (according world bank, raised 2.18% 2018), but policies introduced sole goal attracting companies (von Zedtwitz, 2004). Specifically SI, Brem Nylund (2021) argue effectively create New Innovation, ecosystems may across national borders taking inherent uncertainty newness into consideration. Secondly, represents formidable opportunity explore East-West open practices. growth systems enabling augment inbound outbound universities original (Gawer Cusumano, 2014; Cassiman Valentini, analysis Fischer Farr (1985) shows how keen developing units far back 1980s. Their result even time, some academic unit Academy Science (CAS), were likely show degrees openness compared associated industrial world. Mu Di Benedetto (2011) role strategic importance when it comes networking orientation firms. Particularly Chesbrough al. acts orchestrator state-owned enterprises, privately-owned China. Additionally, Corsi, Fu, Külzer-Sacilotto two industry-based boundary-spanning university-industry (U-I) collaborations, including ‘Dual Cultural Bridger’ spans organizational cultural gaps; ‘International Network Enhancer’ act trust-building listening posts MNE’s network. Thirdly, generates (Rothwell Dodgson, 1991; Macpherson Given innovation, emerging East-East (McDougall 1994; Von 2004; Minin reverse dynamics (Govindarajan Trimble, 2012; Corsi 2014). For years, successful China, institutions, appear be embracing alliances means achieving competitive advantages (Turpin 1996). strategy build complex web varying modes relationships crucial approach bests suits their strategies. From reasoning, authors identify four main categories alliances. First, there guided scientific bricoleur, intending science-driven links oriented toward wide range industries. Second, boundary riders, specific fields. Third, industry-driven large products. Finally, riders have building core technologies. By focusing orientation, able access external sources recombining them own order better exploit both market (Mu Benedetto, 2011). Crupi indices activities considering complexity environment. addition, plays important policy effect implementation outcomes affiliates BRI-related countries. Let us finally consider papers respond questions call papers. what facilitate transfer? Authors support idea allowing latecomers then use sustain activities. business designs capture value through Road? Two U-I been identified, seen acting facilitating do adapt Management compete collaborate Articles positively affected after limited transferable management further investigation. greatly inspired presented 2018 workshop hosted Tsinghua University, tackling diverse interesting relevant supporting digital era. We wish thank Ellen Enkel, Xiaolan Letizia Mortara Editorial Board very useful comments during Open Access Funding Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna CRUI-CARE Agreement. [Correction added 2 June 2022, online publication CRUI funding statement added.] Please note: publisher responsible content functionality any information supplied authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should directed corresponding author article.