How can China get the best tech? Keep calm and learn from the US, economist says
Yao Yang from Peking University says a developed, capitalist market and openness to immigrants helped the United States lead the way over the past century
China doesn’t have to innovate from scratch and sometimes the most advanced tech isn’t the best, he says
China needs to learn from the United States about how to encourage innovation, including being more open, and overcome its anxiety about falling behind, according to a leading economist.
Yao Yang, director of the China Centre for Economic Research at Peking University, also said China should consider its own needs instead of blindly and anxiously following everything the US did, Shanghai-based news outlet The Paper reported.
“Not everyone needs to innovate from scratch,” Yao told a youth innovation forum in Shanghai on Saturday.
“When the US develops large language models, we also follow up on such models, and now China has more than 20 companies, even more than the US.
“Does China need that many? I don’t think so.”
He said the public was too anxious about being a technological step behind the US.
The statement "How can China get the best tech? Keep calm and learn from the US, economist says" reflects a perspective that emphasizes peaceful, constructive, and knowledge-based approaches to technological advancement.
From an economist's viewpoint, technological progress often comes not just from competition, but also from learning, collaboration, and innovation ecosystems. In this context, the suggestion to "keep calm and learn from the US" likely means that China can advance its technology by:
Investing in Education and R&D: Strengthening its foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and supporting research institutions and universities.
Encouraging Innovation: Creating an environment where startups and tech companies can thrive through supportive policies, intellectual property protection, and access to capital.
Global Collaboration: Engaging in international scientific cooperation, attracting global talent, and learning from advanced technological systems—even from countries like the US—while also contributing to global knowledge.
Absorbing and Adapting Technology: Historically, many countries have advanced by studying and improving upon existing technologies before developing original breakthroughs. This process of "technology absorption" is a common path to innovation.
Maintaining Strategic Patience: Technological leadership takes time. Rather than reacting to geopolitical tensions, a calm, long-term strategy focused on sustainable development can yield better results.
It's important to note that while learning from others is valuable, China has also made significant strides in developing its own cutting-edge technologies—such as in 5G, artificial intelligence, high-speed rail, and renewable energy—through domestic innovation and strategic planning.
In sum, the economist’s advice likely underscores that progress comes not from confrontation, but from a disciplined, open-minded, and forward-looking approach to innovation—one that values learning, adaptation, and peace.
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