The Role of Innovation Intermediaries in Low­ Medium­ Technology Sectors in China: Evidence from Chinese Construction Industry

In the vanguard of transitioning toward Society 5.0, China’s construction industry stands at the forefront, epitomizing not just economic heft but also a beacon of societal metamorphosis and techno-physical synthesis. Amidst China’s economic transformation and pivot to a model of state capitalism, innovation intermediaries have emerged as central players in augmenting sustainability and technological progression within this sector. This chapter critically analyzes the innovation intermediaries’ transformative role, from fueling competition post-economic liberaliza- tion to navigating the complexities of high-tech and low-to-medium-tech interactions, particularly within the construction domain. It highlights the innovation chasm within urban precincts and proffers strategic intermediary deployment as a remedy, especially pertinent as China forges ahead toward Society 5.0 — a confluence of digital and corpo- real spheres. Yet, the conundrum persists: while the Communist Party’s oversight has catalyzed R&D resource allocation, recent authoritarian inclinations, especially under Xi Jinping’s aegis, could thwart such dyna- mism. The narrative juxtaposes China’s technology adoption strides in construction against the benchmarks set by regional forerunners like Japan and Singapore, dissecting the incumbent challenges — low pro- ductivity, decarbonization, safety, cost surges, schedule slippages, and fragmented industry structure impeding technological embracement. It culminates by envisioning the road ahead, contemplating the role of innovation intermediaries in China grappling with stringent governance and geopolitical friction with the United States.