Challenges for High-skilled Chinese Returnee Entrepreneurs -A case study in Nanjing

Abstract

The transition of Chinese economy necessitates technology transfer by attracting high-skilled returnees under policy intervention. In this research, I have described the challenges encountered by high-skilled Chinese returnee entrepreneurs in Nanjing, a representative second-tier Chinese city which is adopting the policy-driven talent-attracting model. By applying qualitative methods, I have enriched the understanding of the challenges for these returnee entrepreneurs, which origins from the existing body of literature on return migration and technology catch-up. It is found in Nanjing that recruited returnee entrepreneurs frequently face non-economic challenges as well as economic challenges because the institutional governance of science and technology in Nanjing is still immature. Besides, their non-economic challenges intertwine with economic challenges, as a result of multiple influences from social, cultural, political, and geographical factors. I provide policy advice that local states in China should establish a transition in governance for innovation through various approaches.