Der Weg zur angepassten Technik: Technologietransfer von Deutschland nach China. Fallstudien zur Dampf- und Rüstungstechnik 1860 - 1980
Final Report Abstract
The project aimed at analysing cultural adaptations and appropriation of German technology transferred to China by conducting two case studies, one on ordnance and one on steam technology. Appropriation in the project’s context means: (1) alteration of the artefacts themselves, (2) adaptation of the environment to the new technology, (3) modifying the use of the new technology including maintenance and repair, and (4) training of local personnel. In addition to literature and archival work, a particularity of the project was the analysis of remaining artefacts. The case study on the ordnance industry took particular interest in the transfer, adaptations and appropriation of cannons produced by Krupp and rifles by Mauser. Krupp’s heavy artillery was initially transferred by trade starting in the 1860s, but soon the production of imitations was favoured. The manufacturing was based on translations from inadequate and partly misinterpreted German sources and a type of reverse engineering (design based on disassembled cannons). Due to several shortcomings the Krupp imitations never were widely used. Later, the Chinese ordnance industry also tried to imitate Mauser’s rifles, but the process was improved: Mauser supported and authorized the production. Chinese requirements made adaptations of the technology (like smaller length) necessary. The Hanyang 88 and Chiang Kai-Shek rifles were based on Mauser models and extensively used in China. The case study on steam technology in traffic was planned to analyse transfer, adaptations and appropriation of locomotives and road rollers. Since no substantial findings on steam rollers could be made this aspect was not researched further. With the acquired materials concerning steam locomotives a detailed inventory of all engines manufactured in Germany for export to China could be assembled. Comparing this data and other documentation from Germany (like original construction drawings and photographs) with operational and administrational documentation, photographs of the engines in use and extant artefacts adaptations to the technology were identified. The analysis showed that general technological change, economic restraints, changes in the operation demands, changes in the rules and regulations, spare part problems and standardization of maintenance and repair were reasons for adapting the technology. The reasons for adaptations of the technology themselves are partly displays of adaptations of the environment. The research on the two case studies has revealed major differences in the appropriation process for the different technologies analysed. The active involvement of foreigners and the reliance on their technological expertise differed widely. The success of handling the technology independently likewise did not come simultaneously. Nevertheless similarities between the technologies could be observed, like a learning progress and an increase of technological knowledge and skill over time. Moreover, the case studies have shown that a complex process of interdependent adaptations of the technology itself and its new surroundings coupled with modified uses was essential for culturally appropriating the new technologies. One common characteristic shared by the successful transfers of railway and Mauser rifle technology is the active involvement of Germans in China. Successful appropriation had to rely on the tacit knowledge that could only be transferred by human actors.
Publications
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"Wan Qing zhuwai guanyuan yu Kelubo dui Hua junshi jiaoliu” 晚清驻外官员与克虏伯 对华军事交流 [A Study on the Relationship between Diplomatic Personnel Stationed Abroad and the Technology Transfer from Krupp to Late Qing]. Ziran bianzhengfa tongxun 34, no. 1 (2012): 30–34
Sun Lie
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Deguo Kelubo yu wan Qing huopao – maoyi yu fangzhi moshi xia de jishu zhuanyi 德国克虏 伯与晚清火炮——贸易与仿制模式下的技术转移 [German Krupp and Artillery of Late Qing Dynasty: Technology Transfer through Trade and Imitation]. Ji ’ nan: Shandong Jiaoyu Chubanshe, 2015
Sun Lie
