1) The document presents a theory of how marketization and the transition from a command economy to a market economy drives innovation in firms. It argues that markets provide incentives, opportunities, and competition that encourage firms to innovate or risk failure. 2) The theory proposes that as markets mature and political actors lose power over economic resources, firms will innovate more through research and development and networks with other organizations. 3) Empirical evidence from Chinese firms supports the theory, finding higher innovation outputs from firms with more R&D activities and networks, and lower innovation in state-owned firms or when political control remains.