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5 - Where Unicorns Are Born: Innovation Hubs in China

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2025

Veneta Andonova
Affiliation:
Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
Diego Finchelstein
Affiliation:
Universidad de San Andrés (Argentina)
Juana García Duque
Affiliation:
Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
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Summary

This chapter focuses on China’s rise as an innovation leader. It examines the key actors in China’s innovation system and highlights the prime role of the state in China’s science and technology trajectory. It also underscores the ‘innovation chain’ concept recently embraced by China’s leadership. The chapter then focuses on the key role of technology hubs and the increased participation of Chinese enterprises (especially tech firms) in the transformation of China into a technology and innovation powerhouse and the birthplace of unicorns.

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Chapter
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Unicorns from Emerging Economies
Creating Value through Technology and Innovation
, pp. 129 - 150
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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References

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