An Empirical Study on the Role of CTO in Chinese Manufacturing Enterprises

This study presents results from a literature review of papers that discussed task-related issues of CTOs as well as their relations with other groups and their functions within a firm. We discuss a number of questions, which have not been addressed by researchers so far and present the results of an actual CTO survey conducted in 20 large and medium-sized enterprises in the mechanical and electrical industries. All interviewees spent their entire working life with the same enterprise, having a cumulated working experience which varied between 20 and 35 years (27.5 years on average). The most frequently mentioned task performed was the supervision of new technology and new product development. All the CTOs' were involved with not only technology strategy but also corporate strategy, and also had full responsibility for IP strategy and management. In order to perform tasks, and to give consideration to their responsibilities, the CTOs have technical knowledge and a background in business areas. However, specific skills such as project management skills and problem solving/analyzing skills were less expected. All the CTOs mentioned that specific long term experience in the R&D area was required. In contrast, very few interviewees mentioned that experience in negotiating with suppliers & third parties, an excellent record as a researcher, or international experience were required qualifications. Our findings are that those companies surveyed filled the CTO position with deeply ingrained technical people, the same as the heads of R&D divisions.