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A historical overview of the evolution of rice technology in China, from traditional agriculture to usage of genetic modification, is presented. Rice technology is deemed as a complex interaction of social and material elements. Implications of wholesale transport of agricultural technology and social mechanism to developing countries and of indigenous innovation are described.

The increasing importance of computational techniques in post-genomic life science research calls for new forms and combinations of expertise that cut across established disciplinary boundaries between computing and biology. These are most marked in large scale gene sequencing facilities. Here new ways of organising knowledge production, drawing on industrial models, have been perceived as pursuing efficiency and control to the potential detriment of academic autonomy and scientific quality. We explore how these issues are played out in the case of BGI (Beijing Genomics Institute prior to 2008). BGI (in Pinyin, Hua Da Jiyin– Big China Genome) is today the world's largest centre for gene sequencing research. Semi-detached from traditional academic institutions, BGI has developed distinctive models for organising research and for developing expertise, informed by practices in US Information Technology and Life Science Laboratories, that differ from existing models of interdisciplinary research in academic institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an analytical account of the process by which China has developed its complex and infrastructural information and communication technology (ICT) systems over the last three decades, with the result that today it has become a key player in the global ICT sector. This paper discusses the role of the Chinese government in supporting and coordinating large-scale ICT system deployments and implementation, by-passing dilemmas that have beset more laissez-faire economies. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on two case studies in China: public digital switching systems in the 1990s and 3G mobile standards recently. The former is a typical complex system and the latter exemplifies infrastructural technology. From the tradition of science and technology studies, it incorporates historical approach into a socio-technical discourse of the process and examines the operational practices of the Chinese government in different stages. Findings – The paper demonstrates the pivotal role of government in the case of a latecomer country like China in developing and implementing complex and infrastructural ICT systems. While development of such socio-technical systems has presented challenges in many countries, the findings show the transition of socio-technical context in China has provided the best operational platform for the government to perform its roles. Originality/value – Most research into innovation capabilities focuses on technological matters, while this paper also addresses the social context, institutional mechanisms and roles for coordinating different resources and players involved. In this way, it raises questions for conventional thinking in the West that market systems can perform the best in innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looks at implications of the emerging global Intellectual Property (IP) regime for Developing Countries and their attempts to improve their technological capabilities. Perspectives opened up by the emergence of non-proprietary software such as Linux; Case study of the battle between Microsoft and Linux in China; Threats and opportunities for indigenous technology development.