CHINA AND THE ROLE OF THE STATE IN INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

In the 2020s, China presents itself as a protagonist in the great economic, political and geopolitical transformation of the global scenario. This article draws attention to innovative and productive processes: after years of criticism of Chinese products, with “made in China” labeled as lower-quality goods competing in the international market on price, competitive conditions have changed, with products that are increasingly competitive in quality and that incorporate elements of sustainability. Accordingly, this article aims to analyze the role of the State and the performance of China and Chinese companies in innovation and sustainability rankings from 2012 to 2023. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China and reports from the Global Cleantech Innovation programme, linked to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and The Green Future Index (MIT) were analyzed. The results indicate China’s progress in these rankings, associated with systematic State action in planning innovation and sustainability.