The sixth chapter extends theoretical and empirical interests in understanding the role of the Chinese government through its organization of mission-oriented mega-R&D programs (MMRDs). In particular, this chapter proposes a theoretical framework with a particular focus on such programs’ three contextual characteristics – technical goal of the mission, dominant actor, and end-user. We then apply the framework to ten cases across different historical periods and sectors in different countries to test its validity. The finding suggests that exploitative R&D with a clear and singular technical goal whose performer and end-user are public actors entails government to adopt MMRDs, while in doing so the government also should take into consideration such factors as economic efficiency, national security, and public interests. In the case of China, the state-led innovation model favors to concentrate resources on initiating MMRDs.

Just before the start of the First World War, Robert Millikan, professor of physics at the University of Chicago and a specialist in electron theory, travelled to Germany to present an academic paper. A few years earlier, in 1905, the scientist Albert Einstein had proposed a linear relationship between the wavelength of light and the maximum velocity of electrons emitted from irradiated metal. Einstein was developing quantum theory – and Millikan was adamant that he was wrong.

While visiting Dresden Millikan was introduced to a young researcher who had just completed his PhD. The young man was South African and could thus speak English – which is probably why he was asked to show Millikan around campus. They also shared a research interest, as the young researcher was also working on Einstein’s theory.