Core Insights - The book "Seeking a Path" by Professor Zhou Qiren discusses the past, present, and future of China's economy, emphasizing the reasons behind its rapid growth and the impact of systemic costs, as well as the "sandwich" global competition structure [1][3] Economic Development - Zhou highlights the importance of "cost advantages" in China's rapid growth, which is not limited to low factor prices but includes the overall operational system costs [3] - The reform and opening-up policies significantly reduced systemic costs, allowing low factor cost advantages to be unleashed in the global market, driving decades of economic miracles [3] - Around 2008, systemic costs began to rise again, combined with increasing factor prices, leading to a slowdown in economic growth [3] Global Competition - The "sandwich" competition structure describes China's current situation, where it is caught between developed countries with unique innovations at the high end and developing countries with lower cost advantages at the low end, creating pressure for "breakthrough" [3] New Challenges - The changing dynamics of Sino-U.S. relations are identified as the biggest shift, rooted in long-term "global imbalances," which have manifested through trade wars and technology conflicts [3][4] Corporate Strategies - Zhou presents three effective strategies for companies to navigate the complex environment: 1. **Pursue Lean Management**: Companies should focus on internal improvements through continuous lean management to uncover potential, as seen in firms that have successfully implemented cost-saving measures [4] 2. **Global Network Expansion**: Companies should actively seek international opportunities to mitigate geopolitical risks and trade barriers, exemplified by firms like Midea that find suitable production points globally [4] 3. **Innovate Uniquely**: There is a need for more original companies like DJI that can break through in principles, technology, and products, requiring a shift of resources from excess capacity to research and innovation [4] Conclusion - The path forward involves action and enhanced understanding, with companies encouraged to engage in lean management, global expansion, and unique innovation to navigate the unprecedented changes and achieve sustainable development [5]