Frontiers of Business Research in China

ISSN 1673-7326

ISSN 1673-7431(Online)

CN 11-5746/F

Postal Subscription Code 80-977

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, Volume 17 Issue 4

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Data Empowerment and Innovation in Chinese Manufacturing Enterprises: Frontier Analysis and Prospect
GUO Xingguang, CHEN Xi
Front. Bus. Res. China. 2023, 17 (4): 425-448.  
https://doi.org/10.3868/s070-008-023-0028-2

Abstract   PDF (1487KB)

The development of data science provides new opportunities for innovation in Chinese manufacturing enterprises. As the manufacturing sector urgently needs transformation and upgrading, studying how data empowerment drives innovation in manufacturing enterprises is of strategic significance. This work reviews domestic and foreign research from five aspects: product innovation, business model innovation, long-term competitiveness of enterprises, innovation ecosystem of enterprises, and industry upgrading. It summarizes the main forms and objects of data empowerment, analyzes the paths and mechanisms of data empowerment, and creates a systematic research framework to explore the “black box” of data empowerment that drives manufacturing innovation. Such a framework provides theoretical references for the transformation and upgrading of China’s manufacturing sector. Finally, future prospects are proposed to address the extant research gaps and to conduct more indepth research on innovation driven by data empowerment in the manufacturing sector.

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Technological Innovation and Business Model Innovation: Interactive Mechanism and Policy Orientation
LI Xiaohua
Front. Bus. Res. China. 2023, 17 (4): 449-466.  
https://doi.org/10.3868/s070-008-023-0029-9

Abstract   PDF (852KB)

In recent years, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is well under way. Meanwhile, a deglobalization trend is growing, and major-countries’ competition is intensifying. In this context, there has come a debate on whether technological innovation (“key & core technology”) or business model innovation (“soft model”) should be prioritized in development. Key & core technology and soft model differ in terms of driving forces, goal orientation, nature of knowledge, imitability, and return cycles. They both are interdependent, mutually reinforcing, and evolve together. Business models are an important form of technological innovation, and technological innovation drives business model innovation, while business models support, guide, promote, and incubate technological innovation. In the field of digital economy, business model innovation occurs more frequent, intense, widespread, and disruptive, but it also brings forth new challenges. In addressing these challenges for both business model innovation and technological innovation, China should follow the principles of “guidance without participation, inclusion with regulation” and “encouragement without compulsion.”

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Business Model Innovation in China's Semiconductor Industry: A Pathway to Technological Breakthrough
WU Xiaobo, ZHANG Xinyue, SHEN Huajie
Front. Bus. Res. China. 2023, 17 (4): 467-497.  
https://doi.org/10.3868/s070-008-023-0030-3

Abstract   PDF (2573KB)

In the face of intense global competition, the Chinese semiconductor industry grapples with unprecedented challenges. Addressing the issue of “bottleneck technology” has become a paramount concern among experts from various domains in China. However, the trajectory of the global semiconductor sector is inexorably linked to the innovation of its business models and adherence to the tenets of technological evolution. It can be posited that, without business model innovation, Moore's Law would cease to exist. In the semiconductor arena, where the first-mover advantage wields immense influence, exclusive focus on “technological breakthroughs” from a technical standpoint would invariably constrict itself within existing technological paradigms, leaving it susceptible to external control. This paper undertakes an in-depth examination of pivotal case studies, particularly that of TSMC and Samsung, two enterprises which transcended their latecomer status and shattered the “glass ceiling” by embracing “business model innovations.” Through a comprehensive analysis, it introduces and delineates two distinctive avenues of business model innovation: paper “reconstruction of the division of labor system” and “mismatched demand.” Subsequently, the research investigates two more cases, SiEn Integrated Circuits Co., Ltd. and Changguang Group, exploring specific business model innovation paths, “innovation consortium” and “differentiated demand,” pertinent to latecomer semiconductor companies operating in China. Drawing from these insights and considering the current international competitive landscape and the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper culminates in the synthesis of eight breakthrough trajectories for latecomer semiconductor firms. These pathways are examined through the lenses of technology paradigms (traditional and emerging), market contexts (globalized and deglobalized), and various types of business model innovation (original and secondary). Furthermore, this research offers a comprehensive analysis and discussion concerning the resources, capabilities, and strategies, with the ultimate objective of shedding light on the potential “breakthrough” avenue for China’s semiconductor industry.

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A Study on the Impact of Enterprise Digital Transformation on Business Model Innovation
ZHANG Zhengang, ZHANG Junqiu, YE Baosheng, CHEN Yihua
Front. Bus. Res. China. 2023, 17 (4): 498-519.  
https://doi.org/10.3868/s070-008-023-0031-0

Abstract   PDF (1986KB)

Taking knowledge management and entrepreneurial orientation as variables, this study explores the impact mechanism and contextual effects of enterprise digital transformation on business model innovation, based on organization reform theory and the knowledge-based view. The findings show that digital transformation has a significant and positive impact on business model innovation, that knowledge management plays an intermediary role in the impact of digital transformation on business model innovation, and that compared to low-level entrepreneurial orientation, high-level entrepreneurial orientation strengthens the relationship between digital transformation and knowledge management, and weakens the relationship between knowledge management and business model innovation.

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Big Data Capability, KnowledgeDynamic Capability, and Business Model Innovation: The Moderating Effect of Innovation Legitimacy
ZHANG Jichang, LONG Jing, CHEN Feng
Front. Bus. Res. China. 2023, 17 (4): 520-541.  
https://doi.org/10.3868/s070-008-023-0032-7

Abstract   PDF (1953KB)

Based on dynamic capability theory and legitimacy theory, a theoretical model is constructed to examine how big data capability, through the mediation of knowledge dynamic capability, drive business model innovation under the moderation effect of innovation legitimacy. The analysis is conducted using regression analysis and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on survey data from 302 enterprises that have already implemented big data application practices. The study finds the following four conclusions. (1) Big data capability has a significant positive impact on business model innovation. (2) Dynamic knowledge capability partially mediates the relationship between big data capability and business model innovation. (3) Innovation legitimacy positively influences business model innovation and positively moderates the relationship between big data capability and business model innovation. (4) Through further qualitative comparative analysis, two causal paths that influence business model innovation are identified.

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Abstracts
BEI Lixin et al
Front. Bus. Res. China. 2023, 17 (4): 542-551.  
https://doi.org/10.3868/s070-008-023-0033-4

Abstract   PDF (956KB)

Abstracts

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Bibliography
QIAN Yu et al
Front. Bus. Res. China. 2023, 17 (4): 552-553.  
https://doi.org/10.3868/s070-008-023-0034-1

Abstract   PDF (408KB)

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Academic News
Academic News
Front. Bus. Res. China. 2023, 17 (4): 554-555.  
https://doi.org/10.3868/s070-008-023-0035-8

Abstract   PDF (187KB)

Academic News

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Book Excerpt
ZHENG Haidong
Front. Bus. Res. China. 2023, 17 (4): 556-558.  
https://doi.org/10.3868/s070-008-023-0036-5

Abstract   PDF (528KB)

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Book Description
ZHENG Haidong
Front. Bus. Res. China. 2023, 17 (4): 558-558.  
https://doi.org/10.3868/s070-008-023-0037-2

Abstract   PDF (1619KB)

Book Description

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10 articles