Purpose This study considers the “technology creation” characteristic of technical knowledge-intensive business services (T-KIBS) and examines how human capital and intellectual property rights (IPR) protection affect the location choice of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China for two types of T-KIBS: (1) information transmission, software and information technology (ICT) services and (2) scientific research and technology (SCI) services. Design/methodology/approach Our empirical analysis is based on panel data on 22 Chinese provinces from 2009 to 2017. We use the generalized method of moments estimation for the regression analysis. Findings FDI in ICT services prefers regions with high human capital, while FDI in SCI services favors regions with good IPR protection. Research limitations/implications Future research could use more comprehensive data and qualitative interviews to enhance the findings. Practical implications These findings provide a foundation for China’s future policy on attracting FDI into T-KIBS, especially in areas related to human capital and IPR protection. Originality/value This study bridges the research gap on the FDI location choice of T-KIBS in China by clarifying the influences of human capital and IPR protection and providing theoretical support for the location choice of T-KIBS FDI.

Purpose This study investigates the causal impact of pilot free trade zones (PFTZs) on Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). Design/methodology/approach The study uses the concept of ownership advantage (OA) to derive the conceptual link between PFTZs and OFDI. Using Chinese provincial data from 2003 to 2022, the study employs various difference-in-difference estimators to estimate homogeneous and heterogeneous treatment effects. Findings Assuming a homogeneous treatment effect on the treated, implementing a PFTZ spurs OFDI. However, considering heterogeneity in treatment effects over cohorts and time diminishes the evidence for a positive impact. A positive causal effect on OFDI is established only for the Shanghai (China) PFTZ. Practical implications As China is a leading emerging economy with a state-driven development model, this study has significant implications for other developing and middle-income countries seeking to leverage PFTZs – or similar special economic zones – to stimulate OFDI. Originality/value This study conceptually links PFTZs to OFDI through the OA framework and explicitly models heterogeneity of effects across batches of PFTZs and over time. The latter is essential, as institutional differences across PFTZs may result in varying degrees of generation and overseas exploitation of OAs.

Purpose There is a need for research examining how governments and firms responded to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study investigates the interdependence between governments and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the pandemic in relation to the dynamic capabilities and resource dependence theories. Design/methodology/approach We use World Bank survey data collected immediately before and after the COVID-19 outbreak and a generalized structural equation model to examine the mediating role of government support in the relationship between firm innovation, resilience and survival. Findings Innovative SMEs exhibited higher resilience and a better chance of survival during the pandemic, partly due to attracting more government support. Originality/value This study offers a novel understanding of the government’s role in supporting innovative SMEs during the pandemic. The findings have implications for how government support policies can limit the deadweight effect and the substitution effect.

Purpose Although Asia's rise in the global economy is increasingly recognized, international business (IB) interactions between Japan and India remain under-commented. These interactions are especially salient due to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 (UN SDG 17), which focuses on partnerships. This study updates and analyzes the strategic orientation of Japanese multinational enterprises (MNEs) in India. Design/methodology/approach Following a subjectivist approach, this study employs a constructivist epistemology. Utilizing mixed methods, it obtains primary data from interviews and informal conversations with senior personnel from Japan and India and secondary data from archives. These data then undergo manual organic thematic analysis. Findings The study reveals instances of Japanese MNEs diverging from traditional ethnocentric orientations, such as senior management's growing commitment to India. The findings also indicate that the transformation to a polycentric orientation remains incomplete. Practical implications The study uncovers themes impeding a polycentric transformation, offering insights for strengthening international partnerships and emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing local demands and cultural expectations. Social implications Clues to strengthening IB contribute to attain UN SDG 17, especially given the advanced-emerging characteristics of the Japan–India dyad. Originality/value This study’s research makes a novel contribution to the literature on international strategic orientations by providing insights into a rare dyad – namely, Japanese MNE expansion in India. It is also a valuable and timely addition consistent with current beyond-China business diversification trends.

"Purpose – This paper develops a new model of policy development for the creative industries in a transitional economy setting. These sectors could potentially make a significant contribution to the continuing growth of the Vietnamese economy; however, they are currently held back by a lack of policies designed to support them Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses data collected from a mixed-methods study of the creative and cultural sectors in Vietnam. The paper combines quantitative results from a mapping project with ethnographic observations and several qualitative interviews to identify the policy needs of the sector. Findings – The paper develops the INCITE model of policy development composed of four parts: education and human resources, infrastructure, intellectual property rights and freedom of speech. Originality/value – The paper contributes to our understanding of the kinds of policies needed to support the creative industries by exploring their development in an economy transitioning from a state planned economy to a market-driven one."