An evolutionary-institutional framework for the growth of an indigenous technology firms: The case of Lenovo computer

Based on a case study of China’s Lenovo computer in the period 1984 to 2008, we develop an evolutionary-institutional framework to explain its growth from entrepreneurial start-up to large established firm. At the start-up stage, Lenovo first drew on the linkage with the social sector to transfer technology. At the growth stage, it leveraged government’s adverse policy as a call to explore new technological fields. At the mature stage, it emphasized learning from multinationals in the market. This framework makes an important contribution to the literature by combining all three paradigmatic theories of economic development to explain the success of Lenovo. Policy implications and future research directions are provided.

► At the start-up stage, Lenovo first drew on the linkage with the social sector to transfer technology.
► At the growth stage, it leveraged government’s adverse policy to explore new technological fields.
► At the mature stage, it emphasized learning from the multinationals in the market.