In pursuit of technological innovation : China's science and technology policies and financial and fiscal incentives

Purpose – This paper intends to examine the change of R&D fiscal policies in China since 1978 and its impact on China's drive to become an innovation‐oriented country. Design/methodology/approach – This paper adopts an archive approach and undertakes an overview of the policy changes and their implications. Findings – It is found that policy changes have gradually made enterprises the focal point of the national innovation system and that correspondingly a new financial and fiscal mechanism has been created to create incentives for innovation in firms. Originality/value – This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the changing financial and fiscal policies in support of technological innovation in China.