Exploring the Foreign Exposure of Chinese Science Parks in a Triple Helix Model

This exploratory study sheds light on the role of Chinese science parks (SPs) in fostering the foreign exposure of the actors of a Triple Helix Model (THM) for innovation. Linking the Chinese ‘Go Global’ strategy to the SPs policy, a conceptual model is developed on the basis of the existing literature. The model is applied by analysing the modes of international exposure of 14 SPs. The paper finds that Chinese policy makers have widely established SPs to become key drivers for domestic technology transfer under the control of the government. On the other hand, China still lags behind advanced countries in most areas of the technology industry. Indeed, innovation is a complex process, which also implies international links. Nevertheless, the majority of SPs do not provide evidence of linking THM actors to the foreign context. Zhongguancun Science Park and Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Industries Demonstration Zone provide interesting insights regarding a variety of international modes which may be replicable to foster the innovation capacity of the country.