Publication Type

PhD Dissertation

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

4-2025

Abstract

China’s investment in scientific research funds feature relatively small amount and unitary structure of source. In recent years, the Chinese government has constantly issued policies to encourage social capital to participate in scientific research, especially fundamental research, by charitable donations or the like, but no significant results have been achieved. China's private entrepreneurs are the main force behind charitable giving. Therefore, it is imperative to engage these private entrepreneurs.

This thesis works on the characteristics of private entrepreneurs who are more likely to donate to scientific research. It can be divided into two parts/studies of research: 1) the impact of personal characteristics on their willingness to offer science philanthropy; 2) how the experience of “celebrated entrepreneurs who donated to science philanthropy and has achieved fruitful results” impact the willingness of Chinese private entrepreneurs to donate to scientific research. This thesis targets the factors influencing the willingness of Chinese private entrepreneurs to donate to scientific research from two aspects: internal (the heterogeneity of private entrepreneurs) and external factors (successful experience of others in science philanthropy). It tries to answer the question of who is more likely to do science philanthropy, and the mechanism behind, conducive to identifying Chinese private entrepreneurs who are more likely to make science philanthropy, understanding the approach to improve their donation willingness, and proposing suggestions for lifting the level of science philanthropy in China. This thesis design two studies. In study 1, a questionnaire is designed. In study 2, the author conducted an experiment.

Study 1 found that private entrepreneurs who are older, have a higher education background, graduate from STEM programs, and have overseas experience are more willing to donate to scientific research. Therefore, the relevant government departments can select a group of private entrepreneurs with the above characteristics, encourage them to make scientific research donations first, and turn them into models of scientific research donations through media publicity, typical cases and other means. Study 2 showed that education through videos influences the willingness to participate in science philanthropy. In addition, promotional videos about the successful experiences of scientific research donations by Chinese private entrepreneurs will have a better effect than those from other countries.

Keywords

Science Philanthropy, Private Entrepreneurs, Heterogeneity

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Bus Admin (CKGSB)

Discipline

Asian Studies | Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Supervisor(s)

GOMULYA, David Matius

First Page

1

Last Page

169

Publisher

Singapore Management University

City or Country

Singapore

Copyright Owner and License

Author

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