By Journalist Samah Selim: China and the United States — Between Innovation and Imitation

Journalist Samah Salem

China and the United States — Between Innovation and Imitation

By Journalist Samah Selim- Member of The United States Press Agency

Large-scale industrial production is the secret behind the strength of major world powers such as England, France, Germany, the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and others. This industrial strength has several essential components that allow it to grow and prosper.

At the top of these components is innovation based on scientific research, followed by other supporting factors. Increasing innovation and research requires a modern and high-quality educational system, as well as the embrace of scientists, inventors, and innovators from all over the world—integrating them into the societies of great nations to benefit from their talents and provide them with opportunities and resources, both scientifically and financially.

The secret behind the power of the United States and Western nations in past decades has been their immigrant scientists and innovators. Anyone who wishes to dominate the global economy must rely on innovation and invention, not imitation or the mere purchase of technology. The countries that remained open and welcoming to immigrants were the ones that held the upper hand in the world economy.

Meanwhile, nations that were once closed off—such as China, some East Asian countries, and Russia—used to occupy a lower position than the great powers. Their economic role in global trade and industry was largely limited to imitating products, taking advantage of their skilled labor and the low cost of large-scale production that often flooded global markets.

In the past, China and East Asian countries were racing to obtain advanced technology. Today, however, the picture has dramatically and alarmingly changed—the opposite of what used to be the case. Innovation and science should never be drawn into political or military conflicts or be used to settle disputes between nations.

In conclusion, the true greatness and power of the United States and Western nations lie in innovation, not imitation; in owning technology, not purchasing it; and in embracing scientists and innovators, not driving them away.