Glimpses of the past and the future

Long known for intellectual property infringement, China's business climate is changing as Chinese firms are increasingly focused on innovation rather than copying what worked in the United States and how consumers are evolving with their hopes, dreams and aspirations.

Public opinion about the Chinese economy has failed to keep up with reality since China launched its economic reforms in 1978. In his The End of Cheap China, Shaun Rein made waves by revealing the white-collar dreams of the Chinese populace. Now, with the book, Rein takes on the topics of innovation and individualism, showing readers - yet again - that everything they thought they knew about China is wrong.

"Much of China's early growth was based on heavy investments and export, driven by a whatever-it-takes mentality of adopting Western business models." says Rein.