Competitive Dynamics of Industrial Design Firms in China
Dr. Vida Vanchan (Geography and Planning Department) and
Mr. Huilin Ren (China Central University of Finance and Economics)
Purpose and background of the study
The purpose of this study is to examine the competitive characteristics of industrial design firms in China. Industrial design firms deliver critical innovation inputs to manufacturers. Evidence from a study of 85 U.S. design companies suggests that the most innovative firms offer a total array of product development services, including design research, prototype construction, technological forecasting, and tooling assessment. However, the study revealed two anticipated problems for firms in this sector in the next few years. First, domestic service vendors may soon experience significant foreign competition. Second, the deindustrialization of the U.S. manufacturing base suggests that foreign export markets will eventually become important to the survival of U.S. design firms. China has not only emerged as a direct competitor to U.S. businesses but also a prevailing source of U.S. imports. China’s rapid growth and its ability to capture foreign manufacturers have been globally recognized. However, little is known about the Chinese industrial design companies – what they do and their important contribution to China’s manufacturing base. Therefore, this study is expected to shed light on the following questions: 1) what are the competitive characteristics of industrial design firms in China? 2) what are the differences between industrial design firms in China and those in the United States? 3) to what extent have Chinese industrial design companies eroded the competitive position of U.S. vendors in the industrial design sector?
The results from this study will offer insights into U.S. and Chinese companies in the industrial design sector from both countries’ perspectives. They will also help educate the public and policy makers on both sides of the world about this small, but innovative sector.
How to get involved?
If you are an industrial design company located in China and would like to participate in this research project, please fill out the questionnaire in either English or Chinese by clicking on one of the buttons below.
Start the English survey now 开始中文调查
Published and/or unpublished reports of this study will not identify your name, company, or any other specific information that you provide. Only aggregated results will be produced in order to address this research topic. Your answers will only be used for academic purposes. They will remain anonymous, and strictly confidential.
Contact us
For questions, comments, or concerns about this study, please contact Dr. Vida Vanchan at vanchav@buffalostate.edu, Tel: 716-878-5209, Fax: 716-878-4009; or Mr. Huilin Ren at renh@buffalostate.edu, Tel: 716-878-6818, Fax: 716-878-4009.
中国工业设计企业竞争力研究
Vida Vanchan 博士 美国纽约州立大学布法罗分院地理与规划系
任会林 博士 中国中央财经大学经济学院
研究目的与研究背景
本项目主要目的是研究中国工业设计企业的竞争力特征。工业设计企业为制造业企业提供关键的创新服务，在对美国85个工业设计企业的研究报告中显示：最有创新精神的工业设计企业提供一系列完整的产品开发服务，包括设计研究、原型建设、技术预测和设备安装评估。同时，该研究报告揭示了今后数年美国工业设计企业面临的两个问题：第一，美国本土的工业设计企业将会面临国外工业设计企业的激烈竞争；第二，美国本土作为制造业基地的作用淡化，其他国家将成为美国本土工业设计企业的重要市场。
中国不仅是美国的一个主要竞争对手，同时也是美国进口的主要来源。中国经济的快速增长以及对外国制造业企业的吸引力已在全球范围内得到承认；但是，对于中国的工业设计企业（他们做什么、他们对中国制造业作出的重要贡献）知之甚少。因此，这项研究可望揭示以下问题：1）中国工业设计企业的竞争力特征是什么？2）中国和美国工业设计企业之间有何区别？3）中国工业设计企业削弱美国工业设计企业的竞争力达到何种程度？
本项目将从中美两个不同的角度分别深入研究中美工业设计企业，为公众和政策制定者了解这个小而创新的工业设计领域提供帮助。
如何参与？
如果贵公司是位于中国的工业设计公司，并有兴趣参与这一研究项目，请填写调查问卷(点击下面的按钮选择英文或中文)。
开始英文调查 开始中文调查
无论已发表或未发表的研究报告都不会公布您提供的个人姓名、公司或任何其他特殊信息，汇总的调查问卷将用于该研究课题。调查问卷只用于学术用途并且是匿名的、保密的。
联系我们：
有任何问题、建议或关注本项研究，请联系Vida Vanchan 博士 vanchav@buffalostate.edu, Tel: 716-878-5209, Fax: 716-878-4009; 任会林博士 renh@buffalostate.edu, Tel: 716-878-6818, Fax: 716-878-4009.
GEOGRAPHY & PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Research & Teaching Applications