China's emerging software industry

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to offer a point of view on the challenges China faces competing in a twenty-first century software industry. Design/methodology/approach - The approach taken was desk research and conversations with other academics and industry experts. Findings - The paper suggests that China needs to overcome weaknesses in managerial and technical skills and focus on international markets where it is positive strengths. Practical implications - India provides some important and practical lessons for China's emerging software industry including those Chinese firms looking to increase their export revenues and presence around the globe. Originality/value - This paper provides insight into the issues and challenges faced by the Chinese software industry looking to expand within a global economy. The paper may also prove useful to those researchers interested in emerging economies.