By Zhou Jianqi, Gao Taishan & Ma Shuping, Enterprise Research Institute, DRC

Research Report, No.254, 2020 (Total 5998) 2020-10-27

Abstract: The joint innovation between key organizations of supply chains based on knowledge can generate knowledge spillovers through supply chain network, which can improve the global competitiveness of supply chains and achieve win-win results. The supply chain of China’s high-end medical equipment is still weak in terms of international competitiveness, which is mainly attributed to insufficient joint innovation. The lack of strong knowledge-based connection between key organizations has affected the stability of key structures of the supply chain network. Moreover, China’s medical institutions lack the capabilities of further participating in research and development (R&D) on clinical application technologies through joint innovation. The manufacturing companies face practical difficulties in participating in joint innovation of high-end medical equipment supply chains. The sluggish integration with international standards and difficulties in overseas financing have also affected the cooperation for global joint innovation. Therefore, related departments need to improve the cultivation of medical engineering personnel, enhance the mechanism of R&D innovation for clinicians and step up the ability of domestic medical institutions in participating in joint innovation projects. In addition, efforts need to be made to support flagship companies to take the lead in building a platform for joint innovation, improve the network relating to domestic key suppliers, attach more importance to boosting China’s high-end medical equipment industry in line with international standards and push ahead with international cooperation on the sharing of patent information.

Keywords: high-end medical equipment, safety of supply chains, joint innovation, policy options