Human resource development and innovation in China : State HRD policies, organizational practices, and research opportunities

Purpose – The paper aims to examine the relationship between human resource development (HRD) and organizational and national competitiveness and identify research opportunities for Chinese human resource management (HRM) scholars. Design/methodology/approach – Literature and document review. Findings – HRD and innovation is not only critical for economic development, but also for political, technological, socio-cultural and environmental developments. The state and organizations, particularly multinational corporations, play an important role in developing human resources and their capability in innovation. Through a brief review of recent HRD national policies and MNC organizational practices, the paper presents a number of research topical areas, including HRD national system and policy formation and related mechanisms, national and organizational HRD program evaluations, comparative HRD research, and international agencies' involvement in national HRD system in relation to MNCs' efforts in developing human capital. Originality/value – This essay presents research opportunities in Chinese HRD and innovation that may not only contribute to the HRM literature, but also inform HRD policy formation, implementation, and evaluation, as well as organizational practices.