CHINANIZE THE WORLD
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The change that China might bring about to the world is currently a moot point. We find ourselves in a unique historic situation in which many factors depend on how an important part of humanity manages the present situation.
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China is an equation with many variables; a disruption in contemporary history that, like all disruptions, could have unexpected effects. We cannot speculate any further on China without specifics, because whatever happens there affects us all and will continue to do so for some time to come.
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The myth of China as a supplier exclusively of low-cost products still needs to be dissipated. We see it as some sort of factory for the world, a factory that never innovates or develops advanced technology, whose only value is in its low-cost workforce.
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It’s not about knowing whether the rest of the world will follow suit, but rather knowing when and how. If businesses don’t try and find a strategy that aligns them with China or with Asia in general, as the fastest-growing part of the world, they will be missing an opportunity.
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Europe lacks historic modesty in comparison with China, which for thousands of years had the technological, commercial and even cultural advantage, but which over the last few centuries has simply shown a lack of interest in the West.
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We can’t blame China for becoming the world’s factory. The West has facilitated and encouraged the process enormously. Many fortunes have been made buying from one there and selling to hundreds here.
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The West also holds attractions for China. As we think the Chinese influence could reach us here, the westernisation of China is equally possible, leading to a cultural and political melting pot and greater global consciousness.
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Years ago we talked of China as a threat and as an opportunity, even though the former seemed much more evident. Today there are more and more examples of European and Spanish businesses that have generated their big opportunity in the Chinese market.
From our book: 30/30: 30 ideas for 2030
