German Business in China – Greater Shanghai Innovation Survey 2018/19
This goes along the survey results, where findings show that manufacturing companies
attach a higher priority to innovation when operating in a volatile market environment. 88%
of respondents (up from 77% in 2017) consider innovation as important to differentiate
from their competitors. 85% innovate to better meet customer needs and 82% expect
innovation to lead to an increase in revenues.
Establishing a competitive price position and reducing costs are also important, but less
significant as a motivation to innovate.
Why do you consider innovation important for your company in China?
To differentiate from competitors
88%
To meet customer needs
85%
To increase revenue
82%
To attract new customers
66%
To establish a competitive price position
50%
It is part of our company culture
47%
To reduce costs
46%
To enhance environmental impact
24%
To benefit from government subsidies
16%
A culture of innovation?
47% of respondents say that innovation is important for their Chinese entity because it is
part of their company culture. It is worth looking closer at the characteristics of an
innovation culture and analyze how management behavior and willingness to take risks
encourage innovation.
To what extent do you agree with the following statements about the
organizational culture of your Chinese entity?
Managers encourage employees to attempt
to solve problems.
26%
46%
14%
Managers encourage employees to think
out of the box.
31%
32%
14%
Original ideas are highly valued in this
organization.
32%
33%
9%
Somewhat agree Agree Strongly agree
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