Development of Chinese science and technology intermediaries and their integration into the open innovation paradigm

In recent years, Chinese science and technology (S&T) intermediaries have grown rapidly to become the important components of the market-driven economy. In this study, we analyse the characteristics of the Chinese S&T intermediary system and government support policies with regards to the S&T intermediaries' roles from three aspects of the evolution of technology innovation, the enterprise lifecycle and the enterprise R&D paradigm. To investigate the demands typically placed on S&T intermediaries by Chinese enterprises, we have questioned the selected information technology enterprises in Beijing and Jiangsu provinces. Research shows that demands on S&T intermediaries differ between large-scale enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, the Chinese government and enterprises value the S&T intermediary for its function of nurturing the evolution of technology and the enterprise, but overlook its role in open innovation. To address this gap, this research will then help policy makers to better understand how to improve the performance of S&T intermediaries under the open innovation paradigm.