China-specific features of the emergence of innovations in artificial intelligence and environmental protection: Education system, interaction between science and economy, large-scale projects

In the last few decades, China evolved to one of the world's most important production locations and is currently pursuing an innovation-driven growth. The Chinese innovation system is subject to different mechanisms than the German innovation system and combines top-down control with experimental bottom-up dynamics. This interplay of state control as well as the existence of experimental freedom characterize the innovation processes in China. Two subject areas appear to be particularly influential for future strategic innovations: Artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental technologies. China is investing massively in these two fields and is benefiting from the existing Chinese Internet companies and the growing computing capacities. China is pursuing the goal to harness environmental innovations through AI and to contribute to climate neutrality and resource efficiency through applications.

The research association thus examines the specific Chinese determinants of innovation in the areas of AI and environmental technology. The topic is examined from three different perspectives: creativity development in the education system (Prof. Dr. Steffi Robak, LUH), institutional framework for the cooperation between science and economy (Prof. Dr. Daniel Schiller, University of Greifswald) and organization in large-scale projects (Prof. Dr. Ingo Liefner, LUH). Large-scale projects or large-scale clusters describe the state-led, large-scale organization of potential innovation actors into clusters. These large-scale projects are exemplary for the Chinese innovation dynamics and are primarily intended to generate AI and environmental innovations that are relevant worldwide, e.g. for megacities. The focus lies on the organizational form and functioning of these large-scale projects.

The insights gained provide information about the China-specific mechanisms of innovation generation by identifying determinants and systematically preparing them for German research and innovation policy.

Publications

• Brueck, C. (2024): The role of foreign MNEs in China’s twin transition: a study on the organization of green and digital innovation processes. Competitiveness Review, 1-17. DOI: 10.1108/CR-08-2023-0207

Presentations to Scientific Audiences

• Brueck, C.: The role of foreign MNEs in China’s twin transition: a study on the organization of green and digital innovation processes. 7th Geography of Innovation Conference. Manchester, 12.01.2024.
• Brueck, C.: The role of foreign MNEs in China’s twin transition: a study on the organization of green and digital innovation processes. 62. Deutscher Kongress für Geographie. Frankfurt, 21.09.2023.
• Brueck, C.: Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Technologies in China: The Organization of Innovation Processes, Clusters, and the Role of German Firms. 2023 RSA Annual Conference. Ljubljana, 15.06.2023.
• Brueck, C.: China's green and digital transformation: Insights from national and regional policy. AK Industriegeographie. Naurod-Niedernhausen, 25.11.2022.
• Brueck, C.: Artificial Intelligence Clusters for Environmental Protection: China's Green and Digital Transformation. 6th Global Conference on Economic Geography. Dublin, 09.06.2022.