China's foreign technology market perspectives

The still comparatively high GDP growth rates as well as its sheer size make the Chinese market continuously attractive to international and Chinese companies. The political aim to strengthen the national demand and to develop into an innovation-driven economy, thereby becoming more, independent of technology imports, adds to the inward orientation of many Chinese companies. This paper raises the questions if - next to political and to some extent also economic isolation effects - isolation also occurs in terms of science and technology. Some empirical indications of such effects are presented, even though the paper concludes that -if at all - we are at the beginning of such trends. lt recommends, however, to develop a European strategy and specific collaboration instruments. lt also suggests that it is necessary to negotiate a new collaboration model with China, which puts mid-to long-term returns for both side centre stage.