Transnational Entrepreneurs as Agents of International Innovation Linkages

Abstract:

Contemporary entrepreneurial activities carried out by the migrating internationally educated professionals (IEPs) enhance innovation activities in both the destination and source countries. This suggests that IEPs’ cross-border activities offer opportunities for a healthy circulation of knowledge. The paper outlines research that focuses on the innovation linkages established and maintained by migrating Chinese IEPs who concurrently engage in business in Canada and China, but keep Canada as home base. Based on extensive fieldwork, the paper identifies a significant segment of internationally educated Chinese transnational entrepreneurs (CTEs) within the Chinese community in Canada. The CTEs’ experiences suggest that innovation often has an incremental nature and is comprised of various interconnected elements. In a globalized economy, the system of innovation likely functions at a supra-national level and is embedded in cross-border value chains. The paper discusses the specific roles of CTEs in linking Canada and China in innovation activities.