As China’s catch-up era ends, what’s standing in the way of tech innovation?

As China's era of rapid economic growth begins to wane, experts are raising concerns that deep-rooted issues within the research culture and institutional incentives may hinder the nation's pursuit of technological leadership. At a recent dialogue held at the Shanghai Academy of Natural Sciences, prominent scholars discussed the obstacles China faces with Kevin Kelly, the founding executive editor of Wired magazine.

Lu Bai, a neurobiologist and president of SANS, pointed out that while China has been able to leverage Western scientific advancements to rapidly advance various fields, this "catch-up" model is becoming increasingly unsustainable. "The path is narrowing for two reasons: first, resistance from the external environment is growing; second, China has reached a stage where there's not much left to simply replicate," Lu stated, according to a transcript of the discussion published on July 27 by The Intellectual, a social media platform co-founded by Lu.

Lu identified two primary challenges slowing China's tech and scientific momentum. Firstly, the rigid institutional system that prioritizes metrics over creativity, and secondly, an ingrained respect for authority as core obstacles. Established in 2024, SANS is an independent, non-profit institute that offers scientists stable, long-term support, operating within the Shanghai government's efforts to develop its pilot zone for basic research.

President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of basic research as the foundation of the scientific system and the "master switch" for technological self-reliance. The country's 15th Five-Year Plan has placed innovation at the forefront, but translating policy into reality has proven challenging. Lu highlighted that key performance indicators (KPIs) define the operations of Chinese academic and research institutions, with success measured primarily by quantitative outcomes such as patents and publications, especially in top-tier journals.

This KPI-driven approach has led to a suffocating environment for innovation and invention, as truly innovative work cannot be accurately assessed by these metrics alone.

Lu argued that science should be fueled by curiosity, imagination, and a desire to solve problems, rather than being driven by the pursuit of publication in elite journals. He emphasized that scientists must be allowed to spend years focusing on a single fundamental problem without fear of funding interruptions. Another constraint stems from traditional Chinese culture, which emphasizes hierarchy and respect over critical thinking, open debate, and questioning established ideas.

This cultural emphasis on conformity can stifle diversity of thought, which is crucial for technological advancement.