Entrepreneurship and competitiveness in China: the role of small business and business networks

Citation

Berrell, M. (2010), "Entrepreneurship and competitiveness in China: the role of small business and business networks", Management Research Review, Vol. 33 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/mrr.2010.02133aaa.001

Entrepreneurship and competitiveness in China: the role of small business and business networks

Article Type: Editorial From: Management Research Review, Volume 33, Issue 1

Despite recent setbacks, China's economy is huge by any standards. China's treasury is also awash with capital derived from its booming regional economies. Yet, these positive signs that point to this century being the Chinese century, other signs suggest a different road for China. Issues of corruption, pollution, the banking infrastructure, the rural-urban divide, social and economic inequality also figure in determining whether this century will be China's. However, without sustainable economic and social growth, China's reign as an economic superpower could be halted. The role of entrepreneurship in the Chinese economy is fundamental and building the competitiveness of businesses is essential if China is to succeed in the longer term. Imparting knowledge about entrepreneurship, sustainable business development and competitiveness to Chinese management must become an essential goal of management development in China in the coming period. While Chinese managers today certainly have the potential to lay the foundations for the Chinese century, managing in China still requires the development of managerial skills. The articles in this issue will help Chinese managers negotiate the new and competitive environment.

Mike Berrell