Policy, Regulation and Innovation in China's Electricity and Telecom Industries

China's innovation ambitions are massive, but institutional obstacles, conflicting objectives, ill-advised policies, and Soviet-era legacies inject inefficiencies, resulting in a complex mosaic of success and failure in both technical and commercial dimensions. State Grid leads the world in high-voltage power transmission, while domestic semiconductors lag behind. Electricity and telecom providers record impressive technical advances, but overinvestment and inefficient operation contribute to high costs and prices. Nuclear power combines technical excellence with commercial weakness. Cost reduction rather than new technology underpins commercial success in solar materials.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 526 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

China's ambitious innovation goals have garnered significant global attention, with much of the commentary being inadequately informed. This book delves into China's efforts in electricity, telecommunications, and semiconductors, providing a comprehensive account of its innovation endeavors. The substantial allocation of human, policy, and financial resources indicates tremendous promise, yet institutional challenges, conflicting objectives, misguided policies, and legacies from the Soviet era introduce inefficiencies, resulting in a complex mosaic of success and failure across both technical and commercial dimensions.

State Grid stands as a global leader in high-voltage power transmission, while domestic semiconductors lag behind the international frontier. Electricity and telecom providers witness impressive technical advancements, yet overinvestment and inefficient operations contribute to high costs and prices. Nuclear power combines technical excellence with commercial weaknesses. Cost reduction rather than new technology drives commercial success in solar materials.

The book's granular studies extend beyond specific technologies to encompass the policy matrix, regulatory frameworks, and global developments in evaluating China's innovation achievements. By examining these factors, the book offers a more holistic understanding of China's innovation landscape and its challenges.

Weight: 762g
Dimension: 224 x 149 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108703697