Chinese government role in CAD technology transfer

The enormous and constantly growing potential of technology innovations have promoted Chinese government to actively explore the best way and means to realize its continued economic achievements. Among them, the advances of its high technology have been positioned as the key driving force, and high-tech policies, such as "National High Technology Research and Development Program" or "863 Program" was launched in March 1986. This paper examines CAD (Computer-Aided Design) technology, a key issue under CIMS (Computer-Integrated Manufacturing System) subject topic under "863 Program", and focuses on government involvement in fostering CAD technology transfer. Followed exploring governmental policy- making mechanism, policies and measures and key features, such as inter-sector and inter-organization collaboration, in CAD technology transfer were disclosed. The author has long been consulting U.S. company in CAD business in China, and such experience contributed significantly to the completion of this paper. The study provides some new observations for debates and discussions to policy-makers and researchers on technology management in China and abroad and can benefit business managers seeking to understand the CAD environment in China.