Proactive openness: How China's reforms foster global competitiveness

Reform and opening-up policies, launched at the third plenum of the 11th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in 1978, have been pivotal in transforming China from an underdeveloped nation to a global science and technology powerhouse.

As the CPC holds the third plenary session of its 20th Central Committee from July 15 to 18 in Beijing, the focus will be on further deepening these reforms and advancing the Chinese modernization.

During a recent visit organized by the Shijingshan Future Industry Education Center, Sabrina Goerlich, chief product officer of w3-ff Venture Builder in Germany, shared her insights with CGTN's Enoch Wong on the open and collaborative spirit in China, the balance between regulation and innovation, and the importance of human-centric approaches to global challenges.

Sabrina Goerlich said that her first visit to Beijing defied her expectations of a less open-minded environment. Instead, she found a welcoming and curious atmosphere, marked by an eagerness to share knowledge and collaborate with others.

Goerlich was particularly impressed by the proactive open approach to collaboration, not just in discussions but in concrete actions such as inviting foreign startups to China and facilitating exchanges between Chinese and European entrepreneurs. She said this openness to genuine, fast-paced collaboration stood out as a significant strength.

Addressing the EU's high standards on privacy and regulation, Goerlich highlighted the need for balance, just like the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. While acknowledging that over-regulation can hinder innovation, she also noted that clear rules provide a benchmark for quality and compliance.

The challenge lies in adapting regulations to new situations promptly. The successful navigation of these standards in Europe can be a testament to a company's capabilities, fostering innovation despite the barriers.

Goerlich emphasized the agility and speed of the Chinese ecosystem, which she found both competitive and well-planned. She agrees with the idea of a human-centric approach to collaboration, transcending national borders. By focusing on people working together to address common challenges, such as climate issues, Goerlich believes that the best solutions will emerge.

Her perspective underscores the importance of international cooperation and the role of technology in connecting global innovators.