China's self-built strategy, also known as "self-reliance" or "indigenous innovation," has been a cornerstone of the country's economic development and industrial policy since the 2000s. The initiative aims to reduce China's dependence on foreign technologies and promote the development of domestic innovative industries. Through a combination of government support, investment in research and development, and strategic partnerships, China has made significant strides in empowering its innovative industries and becoming a global leader in various technological fields.
Background and History
The concept of self-built innovation in China dates back to the 1990s, when the country first began to open up to foreign investment and trade. However, it wasn’t until the 2000s that the government started to actively promote indigenous innovation as a national strategy. In 2006, the Chinese government launched the “National Medium- and Long-Term Plan for Science and Technology Development,” which outlined the country’s vision for becoming a global leader in science and technology by 2020. The plan emphasized the need for China to develop its own innovative capabilities and reduce its reliance on foreign technologies.
Key Policies and Initiatives
Since the launch of the national plan, the Chinese government has introduced a range of policies and initiatives to support the development of innovative industries. These include the “Made in China 2025” initiative, which aims to upgrade China’s manufacturing capabilities and promote the development of high-tech industries such as robotics, aerospace, and new energy vehicles. Other key initiatives include the “Internet Plus” strategy, which aims to integrate the internet and other emerging technologies into traditional industries, and the “Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation” campaign, which provides support for start-ups and small businesses.
| Initiative | Launch Year | Key Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Made in China 2025 | 2015 | Upgrade China's manufacturing capabilities, promote high-tech industries |
| Internet Plus | 2015 | Integrate internet and emerging technologies into traditional industries |
| Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 2015 | Support start-ups and small businesses, promote entrepreneurship and innovation |
Empowering Innovative Industries
China’s self-built strategy has empowered innovative industries in a number of ways. Firstly, the government’s investment in research and development has helped to build a strong foundation for innovation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the country’s research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP increased from 0.9% in 2000 to 2.2% in 2020. This investment has led to significant advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy.
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
China has made significant strides in the development of artificial intelligence and robotics. The country is home to a number of leading AI companies, including Baidu, Tencent, and Alibaba, which are investing heavily in AI research and development. China is also a major player in the global robotics market, with companies such as UBTECH and DAO developing innovative robotic products for industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
In addition to AI and robotics, China is also a leader in the development of new energy vehicles. The country has set ambitious targets for the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, and is home to a number of leading manufacturers, including BYD and Geely. China's new energy vehicle industry has received significant support from the government, with incentives such as subsidies and tax credits available to manufacturers and consumers.
| Industry | Key Players | Government Support |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba | Funding for AI research and development, tax credits |
| Robotics | UBTECH, DAO | Subsidies for robotic manufacturing, investment in robotic research and development |
| New Energy Vehicles | BYD, Geely | Subsidies for manufacturers and consumers, tax credits |
Future Implications
The future implications of China’s self-built strategy are significant. As the country continues to invest in research and development, and promote the development of innovative industries, it is likely to become an increasingly important player in the global economy. China’s self-built strategy has also raised concerns among other countries, which are worried about the potential impact on their own industries and economies.
Global Competition and Cooperation
China’s self-built strategy has significant implications for global competition and cooperation. As the country becomes a major player in a range of innovative industries, it is likely to increase competition for other countries. However, China’s self-built strategy also presents opportunities for cooperation and collaboration, particularly in areas such as research and development, and standard-setting.
In order to address the challenges and opportunities presented by China's self-built strategy, other countries will need to develop their own strategies for promoting innovation and competitiveness. This may involve investing in research and development, promoting entrepreneurship and start-ups, and developing new technologies and industries.
- Promote research and development, and invest in key technologies
- Support entrepreneurship and start-ups, and provide funding and resources for small businesses
- Develop new technologies and industries, and promote innovation and competitiveness
What is China’s self-built strategy, and how does it promote innovative industries?
+China’s self-built strategy is a national initiative to promote the development of domestic innovative industries, and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign technologies. The strategy involves investing in research and development, providing support for start-ups and small businesses, and promoting the development of key technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and new energy vehicles.
What are the key policies and initiatives supporting China’s self-built strategy?
+The key policies and initiatives supporting China’s self-built strategy include the “Made in China 2025” initiative, the “Internet Plus” strategy, and the “Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation” campaign. These initiatives provide funding, resources, and regulatory support for start-ups and small businesses, and promote the development of key technologies and industries.
What are the future implications of China’s self-built strategy, and how will it impact the global economy?
+The future implications of China’s self-built strategy are significant, and will likely have a major impact on the global economy. As China continues to invest in research and development, and promote the development of innovative industries, it is likely to become an increasingly important player in the global economy. This may increase competition for other countries, but also presents opportunities for cooperation and collaboration, particularly in areas such as research and development, and standard-setting.
