| This paper investigates the development status of the emerging Chinese cloud computing industry and explores the underlying driving forces of the fast growth of this industry based on theoretical foundations. Findings of this research suggest that the rapid development is driven by five key factors: continuous infrastructure investment by the government, supportive cloud computing policies, effective national cloud computing innovation system, technology transfer and indigenous innovation of Chinese companies. Empirical evidence show that the Chinese government has played a leading role in promoting the innovation and development of China's cloud computing industry through investing in infrastructure improvements and carrying out a series of supportive industrial policies. In addition, the establishment of an effective national innovation system creates a favorable environment fostering technology development and indigenous innovation in the Chinese cloud computing industry. Furthermore, the various FDI activities and international collaborations have indirectly facilitated the formation and growth of a dynamic cloud computing ecosystem in China. Finally, indigenous innovation has been a critical contributor to the rapid expansion of China's cloud computing industry.;Key words: Chinese cloud computing industry, infrastructure investment, cloud computing policy, technology transfer, indigenous innovation. |
