Chinese Culture, Strategy, and Innovation

Abstract

Despite the amazing innovations like paper, printing, gunpowder and compass in Chinese history, ancient China was not innovative. The agricultural centered dynasties were ruled according to Confucian ideology and bureaucracy dynasty after dynasty until China was shocked awake by gunpowder powered cannons. The underdog role forced Chinese to think about the down side of the Chinese culture for innovation. The locked country and society as a stable unity enforced by strict hierarchy, the education emphasizing reproducing the same five Classics, the discrimination towards merchants all contribute to lack of innovation in ancient China. Pragmatic leaders like Deng Xiaoping found a way for Chinese to become rich quickly. The conditions for innovation in China was greatly improved. Combining with long term strategic thinking, China is outgrowing imitation towards strategic innovations. One needs to know the basic Chinese philosophy to understand where China came from and is heading to. Confucianism and the Chinese strategies should be looked at from both sides of their paradoxes. This can help China to overcome its shortcomings. It can also help the West to ride with the Chinese innovation wave.