Technological Capability Development in a Chinese Emerging Technology Company: A Latecomer Perspective

This paper traces the process of technological development of "duplicative imitation-creative imitation-innovation" in Huawei Technology Co. Ltd, which is a representative emerging technology firm in China. With the perspective of latecomer, we analyze the path along which Huawei developed its technological capabilities and fostered its indigenous innovation capabilities. We examine the institutional and environmental factors that influence the firm's technological-capability-building. We find that effective learning, sustainable and focused R&D and appropriate internationalization are the vital leapfrogging path for this emerging technology firms as "latecomers".