China is moving up in many areas, such as scientific advancement, at a rapid pace. With an increase in investment in research and development, it is likely to surpass other countries easily over the next few decades.
Many have argued that China shows great signs of potentially becoming the next superpower in the world. For instance, the National Science Foundation data shows an obvious indication that China is all set to become the next superpower in the scientific realms.
Chinese Students
The young people in China are very intelligent and enterprising. Many Chinese students are increasingly showing greater interest in science and technology than in any other field. The number of engineers in China is on the rise.
More importantly, China is different from other countries in the sense that it is primarily knowledge-driven. What it lacks in raw materials, it makes up for with its innovation and inventiveness. China boasts of a considerable number of highly skilled and trained workers.
Many Chinese students receive a high-quality education. Many of them also choose to study abroad in the best universities of the world for higher education. They then come back to their homeland and put their knowledge to use.
Growing Trends
There is a growing body of literature coming from China nowadays. You are likely to find more writings on scientific areas and various engineering streams from Chinese people more than anyone. Hence, we see more visibility in terms of citation. This clearly demonstrates the genius of the Chinese people.
Many sectors are also performing collaborative research work. This trend is growing due to the policies made by the Government. Hence, there is more exchange of ideas, innovations and inventions coming forth.
There is also a strong trend towards entrepreneurship. Young Chinese people have a very strong entrepreneurial spirit, and they are very technology-driven. China has a well-developed eCommerce system as well.
China has always placed emphasis on being self-reliant and independent. It can focus on its needs with great alertness and is near perfect in execution. It is growing rapidly in quantum physics, genetic engineering, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and information and communications technology.
It is catching up to the US at an incredible pace. With massive investment in automation, belt and road projects, and developing a robust defense system, China is proving itself to be a formidable nation in the international community.
Some Impediments
There may be a few impediments to China’s rise as a superpower. Firstly, China has a lot more state-owned enterprises than private enterprises. And whether it is a free-market economy or not is also not clear in the backdrop of the socialist state.
There is also an element of strong government intervention. The government intervention in universities, research labs, and inventions can be concerning. It will be interesting to see how the new technologies will be received and used in China’s political climate.