China In Context Innovation in China — After the 'DeepSeek moment'
Oct 3, 2025
Duncan Clark, founder of BDA and expert in Chinese technology, shares insights on China’s innovation landscape following the emergence of DeepSeek’s AI model. He discusses the impact of US chip restrictions and the potential for collaboration through the TikTok deal. Clark highlights the intense competition driving Chinese firms to expand internationally and the risks of overcapacity in sectors like electric vehicles. He also touches on government engagement with tech leaders and the ongoing recruitment of talent to bolster innovation.
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Engineers Shape Pro-Tech Governance
- China’s public mood is broadly pro-technology and engineers play leading governance roles.
- That cultural tilt makes China more receptive to rapid tech adoption than many Western societies.
Entrepreneurship: From Low Ebb To Fierce Competition
- China experienced a recent low in entrepreneurship after regulatory crackdowns, zero-COVID and property stress.
- That slump now coexists with intense competition that pushes many entrepreneurs to seek overseas markets.
The DeepSeek Spark
- The 'DeepSeek moment' arrived just before Chinese New Year and lifted spirits by showing China could surprise global AI observers.
- DeepSeek emerged from a quant fund in Hangzhou working away from regulators and impressed engineers internationally.
