China innovation

From “crossing the river by feeling the stones” to wandering without a map, China’s governance logic is lost in transition.

From joint ventures to licensing deals, biotechnology is emerging as a strategic bridge between China and Japan.

China envisions a system of patient capital where investors are committed to supporting hard tech companies through high-risk, high-reward R&D. So far, it has had limited success.

China’s tech startups have followed a distinct development path – one shaped by local governments. Hangzhou, home to DeepSeek, is a prime example.

The Third Plenum outcome suggests a mismatch between what the Chinese economy needs to recover quickly and what policymakers are prepared to deliver. 

The long-awaited economic-focused meeting of the CCP’s governing body emphasized Beijing’s commitment to growth centered on technology – and CCP control.

Waning productivity and declining growth in China cannot be explained by the pandemic or even demographic shifts. It is also the consequence of an unfinished reform agenda. 

Xi Jinping’s drive to reform Chinese defense science and technology institutes has stagnated.

Insights from Richard Silberglitt

Increasing CCP control, coupled with bureaucratic infighting, decreases the incentives for private companies to try new things.

With the pandemic controlled and society going back to normal, innovation and digitization are unleashing economic growth in China.

Can the new design contests foster a culture of military innovation in China?