Subsidiary capability upgrading and parent-subsidiary relationship: Insights from a Chinese acquisition in the United Kingdom

Purpose-This study aims to explore capability upgrading of EMNE's subsidiaries in developed countries and how the parent-subsidiary relationship influences such upgrading. Methodology/approach-The study adopts an interdisciplinary approach to capability upgrading of EMNEs subsidiaries in developed countries. It employs a single case study to explore this under-research area. Findings-The analysis challenges the orthodox view and suggests broad-based capability upgrading has taken place in the EMNE-Acquired subsidiaries ranging from product, process, functional to intersectoral. In addition, the capability upgrading was contingent on the degree of subsidiary autonomy and subsidiary mandates. Originality/value-This study represents one of the first to examine capability upgrading and parent-subsidiary relationship in the context of EMNEs' internationalisation activities.