Current Projects

Networks in Chinese Science Parks

This project aims to investigate the relationship between Chinese universities and their science parks, focusing in particular on the extent to which knowledge transfer and innovation assist in promoting high-tech exports from science parks. It is intended that the research will be undertaken using a case study approach. To this end, it is intended to look at the well developed Hi-Tech Park in the Pudong district of Shanghai and its relationship with the Fudan University science parks and other universities located in the Shanghai area.

Data has been collected via semi-structured interviews with regulators at provincial level, such as

• The science and technology bureau
• Hi-tech park managers
• University managers in charge of science park development
• Science park entrepreneurs/managers
• Focus groups with university academics, managers/entrepreneurs of science park firms
• Plus documentation from any officially published data on science parks exports, high-tech export contribution from science parks, Foreign Direct Investments in science parks, list of companies and their activities, and company data on performance.

Exploration of Future Collaborative Research Opportunities

Following up on the Science Park project, which is still underway, Dr Foster had visited the Science and Technology Bureau in Pudong Development Area, PRC and organised a programme for a delegation on 1st November 2005 to discuss further possible research and provision for training entrepreneurship for SMEs operating in the Pudong area.

Dr Lowe is currently exploring collaborative research opportunities within the area of Asian networks and culture with the Asian University of Science of Technology in Thailand.

Dr Foster and Dr Watkins-Mathys are also discussing a possible tripartite (or even 4-way) research collaboration with Pudong STB and Fudan University (Shanghai) in the PRC.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Project

The ABRC, led by Dr Foster and Dr Au-Yeung, has recently partnered with Retail Decisions, a leading UK-based payment processing and fraud detection and prevention company, for the Department of Trade and Industry’s funding (￡49K) under the KTP scheme for a two-year market expansion project. The project commenced in November 2006.

The project aims to research and develop a market entry strategy for Retail Decisions into the Far East and for South Asian markets, and to assist in its initial implementation. The project is expected to increase ABRC’s academic outputs. It is anticipated that as a result of the project, at least one peer-reviewed conference paper will be written and presented in an international academic conference such as the Academy of International Business Conference, and at least two academic papers will be written and published in journals such as Journal of International Business Studies and International Marketing Review. It is believed that the project will help extend and enhance ABRC’s network in SE Asia.