ENTERPRISE STRATEGY
THE ' MADE IN CHINA ' POLICY A fly in the ointment is the ‘ Made in China 2025 ’ policy , which aims to strengthen homegrown technology and decrease reliance on international tech longer term . Although Barton doesn ’ t see it that way , insisting “ the international firms that are in the best position to succeed are those which are licensing technologies to the growth industries identified in the policy .”
Barton acknowledges the irony of the short-term situation , saying “ many of our overseas tech clients are actually benefiting from this - supplying components and licensing technologies to strengthen Chinese corporations ’ developments in areas including EVs , biotech , robotics , new materials , renewable energy and machine learning .”
“ WHEN PLANNING THE ENTRY , IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO PLAN HOW YOU WILL EXIT ”
MARK SCHAUB SENIOR PARTNER , KING & WOOD MALLESONS
Barton remarks that “ Chinese investors are typically much more interested in investing in firms that have a clear ‘ China angle ’, rather than those who simply have a proven track record overseas .”
ATTRACTING CHINESE INVESTORS Mark Schaub , Senior Partner at King & Wood Mallesons , states that “ most joint ventures last around 10 years . China is dynamic so it ’ s unlikely that a 20 year old joint venture contract will accurately chart the course of the JV . Tech companies should seek to own as much as possible of their IP ; ensure they remain relevant to the China business and know the likely course if it falls apart ( such as who will buy out who ).” technologymagazine . com 93