Learning effect through international sub-contracting arrangement in aircraft industry in China

The paper investigates engineering technology learning effects in international sub-contracting production projects in aircraft industries in China. As aircraft industries usually represent most sophisticated technology, or complex product and complex technology sectors, knowledge learning effect can be heavily questioned with theoretical and practical problems. A research framework is provided by this study, including investigation through collaborative process and output performance in terms of overall economic plus quality performance, and knowledge learning effect; a corresponding questionnaire based survey data over 119 acceptable sample respondents at a typical Chinese aircraft company are processed and analyzed, knowledge learning effects are studied, especially contrasted under the two influencing factors (collaborative linkage as positive and technology gap as negative). The research finding indicates that there is still technology gap existing in such international sub-contracting arrangement, however, knowledge learning effect can be significant if both parties closely collaborate in typical operations, and technology gaps are not significantly big.