Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Open Issues

Research on the policies of high-tech enterprises in typical regions based on social network analysis

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Purpose

This paper aims to quantitatively analyze the intergovernmental network structures within China’s high-tech enterprise (HTE) policies, with a focus on how these networks influence policy formulation and innovation support. The study seeks to provide both theoretical foundations and practical recommendations for optimizing the development and implementation of HTE policies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using social network analysis (SNA), this research systematically examines the interactive relationships among policy actors during the policy-making process for HTEs in four representative regions: Shanghai, Jiangsu, Beijing and Guangdong. The study analyzes the structural characteristics and dynamic evolution patterns of policy networks across these regions.

Findings

Regional economic development levels and innovation environments significantly influence collaboration models – taking Beijing and Shanghai as examples, both cities leverage their strong economic foundations and well-established industrial policies to foster favorable innovation ecosystems, thereby enhancing the synergistic effects of HTE policies. Fiscal and science and technology departments play a dominant role in HTE policy formulation, though their influence exhibits notable regional heterogeneity. Departments with structural hole advantages (characterized by high effective size and low constraint) often exhibit greater policy autonomy. This feature contributes to divergent HTE governance patterns across different regions.

Originality/value

This study innovatively uses SNA to deeply investigate intergovernmental policy network relationships within the context of HTE development in China. By systematically identifying the differentiated characteristics and underlying implications of regional policy networks, the research not only enriches the theoretical foundations of innovation policy networks but also provides significant insights for policy practice. The findings offer scientific evidence for policymakers to optimize governance frameworks, thereby more effectively promoting the sustainable development of HTEs.

An integrated understanding of open data entrepreneurship for start-ups in the digital economy

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an integrated understanding of open data as a source of digital entrepreneurship for start-up entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted qualitative case study research design within the interpretivist research worldview. The author conducted 24 online semi-structured interviews with start-up Chief Executive Officers, founders and co-founders in Malaysia. Interview transcripts were coded inductively through thematic analysis by using NVivo 12 software. Then, the author developed a theoretical model based on research findings.

Findings

Three essential components of the proposed model include the dynamic relationship between data owners and start-up entrepreneurs, the critical importance of open data enablers for greater entrepreneurial effects and the roles of broader contexts such as policies and infrastructure readiness. Surprisingly, the research found two emerging open data enablers from the interviews: a sandbox program and a quadruple helix partnership. Joining a sandbox program allowed a HealthTech start-up to collaborate with regulatory partners. A quadruple helix partnership enabled this start-up to collaborate with industry, academia, government and civil society. Also, the study came across a local open data movement initiated by a start-up association. One of the agendas of this movement was to urge the government to prioritize the disclosure of open data API in the public sector.

Practical implications

Open data scholars can explore the proposed model further for future studies. Policymakers can integrate a sandbox program and quadruple helix collaboration to nurture open data innovation. Also, there is a need to strengthen laws and regulations to inspire confidence in the ethical use of open data for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

Previous research has considered open data for entrepreneurial benefits. However, there is a lack of an integrated model on this subject. Hence, this study offers a novel integrated model to understand open data entrepreneurship for start-ups in the data economy.