Enrolling in global networks and contingencies for China's solar PV industry

Abstract

This study tests the contention in the Asian business systems literature that interacting with global managers and increasing experience via international education are ways by which Asian firms enroll in global networks, thus potentially leading to changes in their broader network contingencies. Chinese solar PV firms are examined given the competitiveness of Chinese products in the global marketplace and the importance being placed on solar energy domestically as China confronts increasing pressure to protect its environment and control pollution while meeting mounting energy needs. Results indicate an emphasis on extra-firm institutional network relationships both within and outside of China for all firms, characteristic of a bourgeoning energy sector. A unique result is that buyer–supplier networks are spatially influenced by extra-local managerial education. Enrolling in wider networks also matters as firms with internationally educated managers have more non-mainland Chinese managers, which mitigates traditional management practices at home.

Keywords::

• Asian business systems
• China
• firm networks
• green energy
• photovoltaic
• PRC
• renewable energy

Additional information

Funding

The author wishes to gratefully acknowledge funding from Ewha Womans University.

Notes on contributors

Douglas R. Gress

Doug Gress has lived and worked in Korea for over 20 years. He is currently Associate Professor of Economic Geography in the Department of Geography Education at Seoul National University in Seoul, Korea. His research is primarily concerned with the spaces and scales of change generated by globalization processes, particularly impacts on multi-spatial and multi-actor firm network structures and the geography of innovation in East Asia.