Chinese entrepreneurs focus on innovation

摘要

Ask people about China today and the first thing they are likely to talk about is economic growth, and the sheer volume of goods that the country manufactures and sends to Europe and America. It is unlikely though, that they will mention creativity and innovation. And yet, China's total number of patent applications rose tenfold between 2000 and 2007, from almost 20,000 to around 200,000 - only just behind Japan and the USA. This is a country that is changing fast, but it still only has ten years of experience of global competition - a key driver of innovation for many companies. It is worth asking whether exposure to western management techniques is as significant as China's long history and distinctive culture. How can Chinese entrepreneurs most effectively develop innovative organizations?