ICT standardisation strategies and interactive learning spaces - the case of China

The challenges posed by intellectual property rights (IPR) in terms of licensing fees have stimulated China's active participation in the standardisation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) through standards development organisations (SDOs). This participation allowed the accumulation of knowledge, the assimilation of external information and the development of new indigenous technologies. The Chinese experience shows that SDOs can be considered as interactive learning spaces (ILS). This case contrasts with that of other global ICT standards producers, where learning is a secondary outcome of the standardisation process.