Introduction: innovation in Chinese firms

Purpose – This introduction aims to set the scene for this special issue on innovation in Chinese firms. Design/methodology/approach – There is no research design and methodology for data collection and analysis as such. Findings – This introduction sets the special issue in the context of the European Academy of Management (EURAM) track with the same theme. It also provides an outline for the special issue highlighting the main topics in terms of technology and innovation management in large and small firms in China; as well as lessons drawn from academic institutions involved in provision of management education both at research and taught – MBA‐level degree programs. Research limitations/implications – This special issue is limited in the number of contributions that they are submitted to the EURAM Conference and track on “innovation in Chinese firms” in 2008 and 2009. The research implications for firm strategy and government policy draw on limited empirical evidence mainly from case studies and interviews with selected experts. Originality/value – The originality of this special issue is that it brings together empirical findings from a broad range of large state owned companies, small and medium enterprises, and Chinese and foreign universities and business schools interested in management education in China.