Publication Type

PhD Dissertation

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

5-2026

Abstract

In recent years, a number of Chinese latecomer technology firms have grown rapidly and, in some cases, have even moved into leading positions in global competition. As global competition is being reshaped, technologies are evolving more rapidly, and traditional catch-up paths are becoming less viable, how these Chinese latecomer technology firms catch up with leading incumbents has become an important issue in strategic management research. Drawing on the theoretical lens of asymmetrical competition, resource orchestration, and dynamic capabilities, this study adopts an Eisenhardt-style multiple-case design to conduct a longitudinal comparative analysis of six firms—Insta360, Dreame, DJI, Unitree, Transsion, and Royole—and develops a stage-based process model of latecomer catch-up. The findings show that catch-up is not a linear process driven by the continuous accumulation of a single capability. Instead, it is a process characterized by shifts in dominant mechanisms as stage-specific tasks change. In the entrepreneurial entry stage, latecomers establish a viable entry position primarily through asymmetrical competition. In the growth and expansion stage, resource orchestration becomes the dominant mechanism that transforms early asymmetrical advantages into system competitive advantages. In the frontier leadership stage, dynamic capabilities dominate firms’ efforts to identify new frontiers, drive ecosystem evolution, and sustain leadership. Catch-up performance at each stage further serves as feedback that creates the starting conditions for the next stage, whereas misalignment among mechanisms may lead to path lock-in and catch-up failure. Moving beyond the static perspective of prior catch-up research, this study deepens our understanding of latecomer catch-up through constructing a dynamic process model and provides guidance for the strategic practice of Chinese latecomer technology firms.

Keywords

latecomer catch-up, Chinese latecomer technology firms, asymmetrical competition, resource orchestration, dynamic capabilities

Degree Awarded

PhD in Business (General Management)

Discipline

Strategic Management Policy | Technology and Innovation

Supervisor(s)

CHEN, Liang

First Page

1

Last Page

167

Publisher

Singapore Management University

City or Country

Singapore

Copyright Owner and License

Author

Download

Share

COinS