Yinglan Tan - Chinnovation: How Chinese Innovators are Changing the World

Advanced Praise for Chinnovation: How Chinese Innovators Are Changing the World

Yinglan Tan' book could not be more timely. China' success as a factory for the world and the fundamental transformation it has had on global industries and markets, while impressive, is yesterday' story. Yinglan introduces us to the individuals and firms who are driving tomorrow' story of China' emergence as a locus of innovation that will have major implications for consumers, firms, and economies around the world.

Steven White Associate Professor, School of Economics and Management Tsinghua University

Informative and entertaining! Brimming with brilliant analysis and actionable insights. How do Chinese entrepreneurs survive in China? They innovate like crazy, in ways that will amaze most Westerners. Hear their authentic voices as they describe the real struggles underlying monster successes like Alibaba and Tencent. This book is a wake-up call, a must-read for anyone fascinated with China!

Wu Po Chi Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Management Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Since Schumpeter, much has been written on Innovation Economics. Given the growing role of China in the global economy, professionals worldwide, as well as entrepreneurs in China, should read Chinnovation . Based on many real-life cases, this first systematic study of innovation in China offers a broad view, often in lively detail.

You Xing Chief China Representative Paris Region Economic Development Agency

Convergent incomes and divergent growth between East and West is the economic story of our times. China leads this charge and is re-establishing itself as a center for global technology and innovation. I love the way Chinnovation draws on the war stories of Chinese entrepreneurs and investors to dispel the myths and proffer practical advice to the next generation of high growth multinationals.

Daniel Heaf Director of Digital, BBC Worldwide

A great book to shed light on what kind of innovation thrives in China and what makes it work. I highly recommend this book to entrepreneurs who wish to capture Chinese markets. Yinglan Tan has done a remarkable job in analyzing the reasons behind the successes and failures of these new Chinese companies. All are invaluable lessons for the newcomers.

Jennifer Pan Managing Director, ChinaSense, Inc.

Chinnovation is definitely an exciting read. It shows readers how China' economic growth has been fuelled by hard working and innovative entrepreneurs, and not just because of government-led policies. Chinnovation proves that the transition from Made in China to Innovated in China is indeed a reality.

Ikkei Matsuda President and CEO, Hokkaido Venture Capital, Inc.

Yinglan Tan offers a fresh and unconventional look at innovation and entrepreneurship in the world' second largest economy. Chinnovation is an insightful project that removes the myths and secrecy to present the true picture of Chinese entrepreneurs and how innovation is driving the country in the 21st century. A must read for all interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and China.

Irina Anghel Secretary General South Eastern Europe Private Equity and Venture Capital Association

As the crucial innovation battleground for high growth businesses of the future, China is both alluring and intimidating, with rapidly changing market conditions and regulatory landscape, intense competition, and unique rules of engagement. Against this backdrop, Chinnovation provides a refreshing, modern Art of War treatise on the Tao of creating successful innovation in China.

Ku Kay Mok Partner, Gobi Partners

The book brings to life the most intelligent and promising young entrepreneurs in China, demonstrate how local entrepreneurs can succeed with local insights and local executions to address local needs. Yinglan Tan presents a whole new angle to look at innovation in China and how China and the world might benefit from these chinnovations and chinnovators.

Zhao Hanxi Director, CITIC Capital

As China progresses through another rapid evolution and transformation of its industries, we see a rapidly growing field of Chinese entrepreneurs that can propel China to possibly top the global tables in creativity and innovation. Chinnovation reveals to readers the truth behind these Chinese start-ups and their journey through innovation. This is a must-read for would-be entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders alike.

Patrick Lee Executive Chairman, Sing Lun Holdings Limited

Yinglan Tan takes us on a journey through extraordinary stories of entrepreneurship in China. An easy read, it is sure to make you feel like you have lived and breathed the air of opportunity that China represents today, far beyond the statistics seen in popular press and analyst briefings. You get the unique privilege of getting into the minds of the entrepreneurs, seeing their rapid ingenuous actions and you find yourself celebrating their stupendous results. A must read!

Rajen Makhijani Management Consultant, Heidrick and Struggles Award Nominated Bollywood Screenwriter

Copyright John Wiley & Sons (Asia) Pte. Ltd.

Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons (Asia) Pte. Ltd.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

ISBN 978-0-470-82796-3 (Hardcover)

ISBN 978-0-470-82798-7 (e-PDF)

ISBN 978-0-470-82797-0 (e-Mobi)

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Acknowledgments

This book leaves me heavily indebted to a remarkable group of people: Nick Melchior, my trusty editor, who saw a book where none existed and rolled up his sleeves to make it happen. Fiona Wong, my production editor, who provided valuable editorial guidance. Hilary Powers who has (once again) blown me away with her Midas touch with words. Professor Philip Anderson, my mentor and long-time friend, who had the audacity to send me to China and shepherded me into the world of entrepreneurship and venture capital. Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Manpower (Singapore), Lee Yi Shyan, whose many penetrating observations about China provided invaluable insights. My advisors at Harvard, Professor Richard Zeckhauser and Professor Josh Lerner, who were always there with kind, generous, and insightful support. My ex-colleagues at 3i who provided practical advice. They deserve the credit for much of what is right about the book, but can't be blamed for its shortcomings. I am forever theirs.