This paper aims to answer the question of whether China is emerging as a technological superpower. After analysing the major constituents of China’s recent technological progress the Chinese education system is evaluated. It is shown that critical deficiencies as to indigenous innovation and technological competitiveness still exist. In conclusion, it is stressed that China’s great potential of future technological advancement significantly depends on enhancing its state of education.
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
2 THE TECHNOLOGICAL SITUATION IN CHINA
2.1 ECONOMIC PROGRESS
2.2 FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION
2.3 CLASSIFICATION OF TECHNOLOGY
2.4 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
3 CHINA’S STATE OF EDUCATION
3.1 STAGES OF EDUCATION
3.2 COMPATIBILITY OF EDUCATION SYSTEMS
3.3 CHINA’S EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
3.4 EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES
3.5 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS
4 CONCLUSION
Objectives and Research Themes
This academic paper examines whether China is truly emerging as a global technological superpower by evaluating the country's recent economic development, industrial structure, and the efficacy of its educational system.
- Analysis of China's economic progress and dependence on foreign direct investment (FDI).
- Evaluation of China's technological output and the prevalence of "export platforming."
- Assessment of the Chinese educational system's structure and performance.
- Investigation into educational inequalities and challenges within the rural-urban divide.
- Critical review of the international competitiveness of Chinese graduates and indigenous innovation capacity.
Excerpt from the Book
1 Introduction
In the course of globalisation, the world economy has increasingly been growing together with the markets being subjected to rising international competition. As a consequence, it seems that the wealth of a nation strongly depends on its ability to surpass foreign competitors. This may be the reason why China’s recent economic rise has caused widespread concern all over the world. The variety of Chinese goods is no longer represented only by toys, apparel or footwear. Technologically more advanced manufactures, such as notebook computers or DVD players, constitute a substantial share of China’s range of products and are traded in large quantities. As a result, a great number of both small companies and multinational corporations are facing decreasing prices and a decline in producer rents. There has been an intense debate about China’s growing economic influence and it is often said that China is emerging as a high technology superpower. However, these assessments are usually not based on a careful examination of the underlying elements of China’s advancement.
A strong educational foundation is essential in order to develop indigenous innovation capacity and thus sustain technological competitiveness. The Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao recently stated that “science and technology are the decisive factors in the competition of comprehensive national strength … We must introduce and learn from the world’s achievements in advanced science and technology, but what is more important is to base ourselves on independent innovations.”
This paper is concerned with the question of whether China can be considered as an emerging technology superpower. This question may be answered by analysing China’s present technological characteristics followed by an evaluation of its state of education.
Summary of Chapters
1 INTRODUCTION: Introduces the global economic context and the central research question regarding China's status as an emerging high-technology superpower.
2 THE TECHNOLOGICAL SITUATION IN CHINA: Analyzes the drivers of China's economic growth, emphasizing the roles of FDI, export structures, and the current R&D landscape.
3 CHINA’S STATE OF EDUCATION: Evaluates the structure of the Chinese education system, its quantitative achievements, and the systemic challenges regarding inequality and graduate quality.
4 CONCLUSION: Summarizes findings, concluding that while China has made impressive progress, it currently lacks the indigenous innovation capacity to be considered a true technological superpower.
Keywords
China, Education, Technology, Globalisation, Economic Progress, Foreign Direct Investment, Research and Development, Indigenous Innovation, Higher Education, Educational Challenges, International Competitiveness, Export Platforming, Human Capital, Literacy, Educational Reform
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper investigates whether China is truly emerging as a global high-technology superpower by analyzing its economic development and the state of its educational system.
What are the key thematic areas covered?
The key themes include China's economic transition, the reliance on foreign direct investment, the reality of high-tech exports, and the strengths and weaknesses of the Chinese educational landscape.
What is the central research question?
The research question asks whether the current evidence of Chinese industrial growth justifies the claim that it is an emerging technology superpower.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a qualitative analysis approach, synthesizing data from international organizations like the OECD, UNESCO, and the WTO, alongside academic literature to evaluate China's technological and educational trajectory.
What does the main body of the paper discuss?
The main body examines the structure of Chinese technological output, the influence of foreign firms, and the disparity in education between rural and urban regions, and assesses the competitiveness of Chinese graduates.
What keywords best represent this work?
Key terms include China, Education, Technology, Foreign Direct Investment, Indigenous Innovation, and International Competitiveness.
How does the author define "export platforming" in the context of China?
The author describes China as an export platform where multinational firms assemble imported, high-value components for re-export, rather than producing advanced technology through indigenous innovation.
What does the paper conclude about China's future competitiveness?
The conclusion states that while China has potential, it must significantly improve its educational quality and focus on independent, indigenous research to become a true high-technology leader.
- Citation du texte
- Matthias Peiß (Auteur), 2009, China: An Emerging Technological Superpower?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123245
