Discontinuous Innovation in Technology-Based Start-Ups from Chinese Manufacturing Industry

Against a background of global competition, the rapid change of discontinuous technology presents ongoing challenges to technology-based start-ups. This paper aims to explore the possibility and paths towards discontinuous innovation for latecomer firms in such developing countries as China. Based on the in-depth field investigation with selected entrepreneurial firms in the manufacturing industry, we seek to examine whether the technology-based start-ups in China can achieve rapid growth and deliver discontinuous innovation. The technique of technology roadmapping is employed to analyze the evolutionary process in which technology, product and market interact in three typical new ventures. From the findings in this study, we propose an integrative framework to leverage resources and capabilities in the entrant firms and put forward suggestions for effective management of discontinuous innovation. Implications for managers, policy-makers and further research are also discussed