Secondary innovation in emerging industry: A case study

Different from primary innovation, secondary innovation is a typical innovation mode in developing countries, which starts from technology introduction and imitation and focuses on technology catching up. Based on the traditional theory of secondary innovation, this paper examines the technology innovation mode in emerging industry in developing country, and looks for new characters of the innovation mode in the new technology age. Through an in-depth case study of a flat panel display manufacturing company in China, this paper elaborates the environment, strategy and capability evolution in its technology development process, especially from the perspective of innovation ecosystem. Further, this paper probes into how to leverage late comers´ advantage in emerging industry, and puts forwards some suggestions for firms in developing countries to improve their competences in the secondary innovation process.