China's growing innovation capacity is poised to generate new opportunities for global development, according to participants at the 2025 Summer Davos Forum, which concluded this week in the northern city of Tianjin.
Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, international attendees said China’s economic trajectory and technological leadership continue to command global attention.
"Especially nowadays when we see a world that is polarizing, and I think it's quite important to be working and understanding what's going on, in China in particular," said Simon Lilmount, professor at Cambridge Judge Business School.
"Especially nowadays when we see a world that polarizing, I think it's quite important to be working and understanding what's going on in China in particular," said Simon Lilmount, professor of Cambridge Judge Business School at University of Cambridge.
Technological innovation was a central theme, with China’s advancements in AI and robotics highlighted as areas of significant momentum.
"So I'm thinking of now with robotics and humanoids, which requires a lot of intelligence, you find a lot of new AI applications and developments in here. China has a unique opportunity to lead in the industrial sector," said Peter Koerte, chief technology officer and chief strategy officer of Siemens AG.
Several participants said China's capacity for innovation could serve as a fresh engine for global economic growth.
"China is at the forefront of that, is one of the front runners of technology advancement. Increased collaboration with China will, help countries and companies to participate in this advancement," said Ivy Ekuerhare, director of finance and administration at Prime Atlantic Cegelec.
"China is leading the industry around the world. We hope as well that in the future some of these Chinese companies can go to the country and do some technology transfer and maybe do part of their production in Colombia," said Oscar Felipe Rueda Plata, Executive Director China of ProColombia.
Others pointed to China’s openness to collaboration and ability to absorb new ideas as a structural advantage.
"I think as long as China maintains the face of innovation, the economy will be very positive because the new growth drivers will be emerging. And by having this opportunity to meet with more Chinese companies, I'm very confident that this economy will keep innovating more because the people are very open minded and relentlessly able to incorporate new ideas into an existing processes. So I think Chinese economy is very bright, but to prepare it more further, it certainly needs more international cooperation. And this economy forum is very helping with that,” said Battushig Myanganbayar, AI adviser to the Prime Minister of Mongolia.
The three-day Summer Davos Forum, officially known as the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025, was held under the theme "Entrepreneurship for a New Era." The conference focused on five major topics: the global economic outlook, China’s development trajectory, industry disruption, investing in human capital and sustainability, and innovations in energy and materials.
China's innovation strength seen as catalyst for global growth: Summer Davos attendees
