UK-China collaborative study on low carbon technology transfer: final report

Executive Summary This report sets out the results of the UK-China collaborative project on low carbon technology transfer. The aim of the project was to identify new empirical evidence about the development, transfer and deployment of low carbon technologies in China, and to help inform national and international policy developments – particularly within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The report analyses technology transfer from international sources in the context of broader processes of low carbon innovation in China. It does so by focusing on four empirical case studies of low carbon innovation in China: energy efficiency in the cement industry, electric vehicles, offshore wind power and more efficient coal-fired power generation. The report reaches six main conclusions: 1. There are important differences between low carbon technologies in China. Therefore a 'one size fits all' approach to supporting low carbon innovation is inappropriate. Chinese technological capabilities are stronger in more near-market technologies than they are in more early stage technologies 2. The case of China is unique, and should not be used as a proxy for developing countries in general. Whilst China still faces many development challenges, China has significant resources and a large potential market for foreign suppliers. The Chinese government has played a central role in supporting low carbon innovation and technology deployment. 3. A range of policy mechanisms are used to promote low carbon innovation in China, with an emphasis on regulations and targets. Appropriate policies differ between technologies. We support the Chinese government's intention to increase the use of market based instruments alongside regulatory approaches. 4. Chinese firms and institutions are developing their capabilities rapidly, but significant gaps remain. These capabilities have been acquired through indigenous innovation and international technology transfer. Limitations include access to advanced component technologies and knowledge, and some weaknesses in engineering and design skills. 5. Access to intellectual property rights (IPRs) is not a fundamental barrier to the development of low carbon innovation capabilities in China. This does not mean that IPR issues are unimportant since Chinese firms do not yet have independent capabilities in some technologies. IPR issues, and the need for policy intervention, should be evaluated on case by case basis. 6. International policy frameworks have played an important role in low carbon innovation. The Clean Development Mechanism has been used strategically by the Chinese government to provide significant finance for technology deployment. The report considers implications for …

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