Tommy Shih

All around the world there is an increased understanding among policymakers that the establishment of start-up companies is the backbone of future economic growth. It is argued that the development of new companies can increase the innovation rate and contribute to industrial change. This belief is also championed by the Chinese government, which has especially emphasised the possibility of start-up companies to facilitate the establishment and development of strategically important industries. The promotion of high-tech industries already started in the late 1980s; however, since the 1990s, policy attention towards developing some strategically important sectors has been apparent.