China (Beijing)

(n = 124)

Germany (n = 126)

Significant difference

Increase degree of novelty of products/services

75.8%

65.9%

°

Increase of own R&D competence through learning effects

75.0%

65.9%

-

Increase qualification of own personnel

54.0%

31.7%

^***

Improve adaptation to customer requirements

51.6%

42.9%

-

Improve quality of existing products/services

39.5%

38.9%

-

Improve marketing and advertisement strategies

29.8%

13.5%

^***

Increase ability to flexibly respond to customer requirements

20.2%

26.2%

-

Lower production cost

1.6%

29.4%

^***