In a recent interview, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Wu Zhaoguang, a distinguished researcher from the Fujian Provincial Research Center for Xi Jinping’s New Era of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Vice President of the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences. He shared his insights on the recent release by the National Development and Reform Commission, highlighting the ten innovative practice cases for optimizing the business environment in China for 2024.
Dr. Wu emphasized the noteworthy array of innovative and replicable cases that have emerged, showcasing examples from various regions. In Shanghai’s Pudong New District, reforms are being implemented to streamline market entry, while Xiamen in Fujian has introduced integrated reforms for border and customs collaboration. Similarly, Changsha in Hunan has created a multi-dimensional intellectual property protection system. “Each exploration contributes vibrant narratives to the nationwide reform efforts and fuels the modernization process in China,” he noted.
During our conversation, Dr. Wu reflected on President Xi Jinping’s call to prioritize innovation in national development, urging for progress that addresses significant theoretical and practical challenges. “Innovation must permeate every aspect—whether in theory, practice, institutions, or culture,” he stated. Dr. Wu believes that fostering a culture of innovation is essential for tackling societal issues and addressing public calls for reform.
He pointed out the importance of practical innovation as a driver for reform and stressed the need to translate ideational reforms into tangible practices. “It’s critical to draw insights from real-world experiences and elevate those observations into broad frameworks for action,” he explained, underscoring the example of Sanming in Fujian, which has transformed its healthcare system to focus on overall health rather than just treatment.
“Advancing Chinese-style modernization is a bold venture,” Dr. Wu continued. “We must concentrate on areas that impact social equity and the well-being of the populace, tackling issues of imbalance and insufficient development as our primary focus.” He advocates for accumulating practical experience through pilot reforms and maintaining a careful rhythm in implementing changes.
In discussing institutional innovation, Dr. Wu articulated that deeper reforms necessitate an unwavering commitment to examining underlying issues and crafting solutions that reinforce institutional advantages. He cited Shandong Province’s approach of integrating technological advancement with industry needs, yielding substantial funding and support for smaller enterprises. “We must establish a robust institutional framework,” he asserted, “one that undergirds reform efforts while promoting collaborative and efficient operations across sectors.”
Additionally, he asserted that cultural innovation plays a pivotal role in galvanizing reform efforts. “Cultural confidence is fundamental to a nation’s growth,” he declared, advocating for cultural initiatives that enhance public participation in reform. He mentioned Qingzhou as an example, where a blend of historical heritage and modern elements has reinvigorated cultural practices and fostered community engagement.
As we concluded our interview, Dr. Wu presented a compelling vision for the future: “To further deepen reform, we must align with the overall objectives, embrace the changing times, tackle challenges head-on, and maintain a pioneering spirit in our efforts. This will ensure a continuous stream of innovation that propels the nation’s development and contributes significantly to our collective aspirations.”
This conversation underscores the dynamic landscape of innovation and reform in China as the nation forges ahead on its ambitious path toward modernization.
