Impact of Social Capital on Enterprise Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurial Performance ---- Research Based on Nano-technology Companies in China

Chinese nanotechnology enterprises have been confronted with various challenges. There have also been great opportunities, including government support, economic transformation, global market demand, new enterprises and management modes. Therefore, it is now the right time to investigate an important question: how nanotechnology enterprises in China overcome challenges and seize opportunities?
In this thesis, the impact of social capital on R&D investment and technological innovation has been explored. The impact of both the “scale” and “intensity” of social networks on a firm’s performance have been compared. A case analysis was carried out to verify the conclusions drawn from the theoretical analysis on the current situation of nano-calcium carbonate enterprises in China.
The following key issues have been examined:
1. The impact of senior managers’ political influence on R&D investment in nanotechnology enterprises.
2. The impact of human capital and R&D investment on the technological innovation of nanotechnology enterprises in China.
3. The quality of the social network to the firm’s performance.
This thesis further confirmed the above conclusions derived from chapters 3-5 through a case study of six nano-calcium carbonate enterprises presented in chapter 6. This research has found that if an enterprise in China wants to develop well, corporate social capital and entrepreneurial social capital are indispensable resources. At the same time, the application of any established theories relating to Chinese enterprises must consider conditions specific to China.