Seven Challenges

Abstract

AbstractSeven challenges could impede the construction of technological advantages. Some shortcomings relate to domestic aspects, while others are on a global scale. In the first category, China will have to deal with quality issues, to create conditions for a real creativity so to produce breakthrough innovation (and not only incremental innovations), to increase the productivity of its economy, and not to fall into the middle-income trap. In the second category, I question the ability of China to set up global norms, to deal with societal issues raised by its negative externalities of its technological developments (like the Social credit system), or to sell technologies within the Belt and Road Initiative. None of these challenges is insurmountable, but domestic issues require to lift some cultural barriers, and global challenges require acceptance of countries China is dealing with.KeywordsThreats to developmentCompetitive advantageDomestic challengesGlobal challenges