This research discusses the development process of Chinese innovation management in terms of the rise，development and current situations of innovation management theories in China. In particular，we systematically review representative domestic innovation management theories and influence of theories on Chinese management practice——from followers to leaders. This research is based on the analysis of new challenges which are confronted by Chinese enterprises in the context of digital economy and transformation of latecomers. We combine practices of typical Chinese enterprises such as Huawei，Hikvision and Hangyang and current management theories，from secondary innovation，total innovation to beyond catch up，then the basic direction and reconstruction of research on innovation management theories in China are put forward.