John Quelch, executive vice chancellor of Duke Kunshan University and a professor of social sciences, has hailed China's transformation from a follower of Western technology to a leading innovator, crediting the country's long-term five-year plans as a key driver of sustained economic progress.
Successful economic transformation
Having taught at Harvard University for over three decades, Quelch first visited China in 1981. Over the past 44 years, he has maintained a deep interest in the country, witnessing its rapid development firsthand. “I was fortunate to come here in 1981 and observe China's economic transformation—one of the most remarkable and impactful in human history,” he said.
China has evolved into a frontrunner in global industrial manufacturing, contributing around 30% to world economic growth in 2024. Quelch noted that China is shifting from basic manufacturing to a more balanced economy, effectively boosting consumption and improving investment efficiency.
“While manufacturing's share of GDP has gradually declined, this reflects a natural and appropriate trajectory for China's economy, yet the sector remains robust,” he said. China's commitment to high-quality development and the implementation of its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) have been instrumental in its success. “Managing a population of 1.4 billion presents challenges, but China has made consistent progress in its economic transition,” Quelch added.
Tech advancements benefit the world
The 2024 Global Innovation Index by the World Intellectual Property Organization ranks China 11th in innovation, marking the fastest rise among major economies over the past decade. With 26 of the world's top 100 science and technology innovation clusters—up from 24 last year—China now leads globally.
Quelch praised the vibrancy of Chinese tech firms, noting that many U.S. users are unfazed upon learning their favorite apps are Chinese-operated. Instead, they view it as a testament to China's innovation, calling it “an advertisement for Chinese ingenuity.”
Despite global challenges, China's innovation momentum remains strong. “Chinese companies have shown resilience—they won't be deterred by obstacles,” Quelch said. “With its vast domestic market for testing ideas, China will continue delivering more, better, and cheaper innovations to the world.”
Patriotism fuels youth innovation
At Duke Kunshan University, Quelch encourages interdisciplinary exploration, allowing students to delay declaring majors to discover their passions. According to him, innovation often arises at the intersection of fields, not within a single discipline.
Outside work, Quelch enjoys visiting museums and is impressed by the young crowds. “While advancing innovation in science and computing is vital, understanding our heritage matters equally,” he said, applauding China's investments in museums and youths' appreciation for tradition alongside innovation.
Chinese students, he observed, are highly motivated and deeply grateful for their parents' dedication. Their strong sense of responsibility toward family and nation reflects a patriotism rooted in millennia of history. “China's sustained investments in higher education and research have made its universities vital hubs for talent and scholarship—a core asset few nations possess,” Quelch said.
Source: Haiwainet. cn, VOC
