The Color of Innovation

To Be a Hardheaded Idealist

—— A Speech Delivered at the Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony of Peking University, 2008

Dear Party Chief Min Weifang, President Xu Zhihong, distinguished government representatives, esteemed faculty members, proud parents, and above all, graduates:

 Good morning!

As a former graduate of Peking University, I am very honored and privileged to be here for this solemn commencement. First of all, I would like to thank Peking University for giving me a chance to re-experience an exciting moment and reflect upon the unforgettable and dear memories. Graduation always invokes mixed feelings about the joy of harvest and sorrow of departure, nostalgia for the past life on campus and longing for future life in society.

Twenty two years ago, I, a young man from a remote village in western Liaoning province, first set my feet in Beijing to study at Peking University and start a new page of life. During the past twenty-two years, our Alma Mater has celebrated her ninetieth, one hundredth and one hundred and tenth birthday, and together with our country, has suffered setbacks and experienced changes and developments. During the same period, I had stayed in Peking University for seven years as a student and then six years as a faculty member, before I went to work in various government positions for nine years. My years in Peking University allowed me a unique opportunity to explore her tradition and experience her spirit.

During my years of studying and teaching, especially in the days organizing the centennial celebration, I came to the realization that “Peking University’s tradition has always been polyphony, where the passions of China collide and get transcended, where the dynamic and explosive zeal meets the tranquil and rational reflection. It is this collision and fusion of passion and reason that forged her immortal soul and ensured her centuries of glory. If passion makes her adorable, the transcendence of passion makes her respected.

In the darkness of the early twentieth century, patriotism meant saving the country, and progress was made through criticism. Fighting and crying were entangled on the path to salvation. In the era of peace and prosperity, patriotism means strengthening the country, and progress is achieved through construction.   Innovation and dedication are required to make our people rich and our nation great. Therefore, pragmatic style, constructive attitude, innovative pursuit and dedicative morale reflect and characterize the spirit of Peking University in the new age.

I have repeated the remarks I made for China Education Newspaper in 1998 and Bimonthly Talk in 1999. They were what I learned as a student and what I tried to pass on to my own students in Peking University. As the nation’s top educational institute, Peking University carries the great expectations of our country and our people, to foster idealists with practical wisdom, and to turn out graduates who can transform dreams into reality and make a real difference in society.

I want to share this with you because it is the most important thing I learned during my thirteen years at Peking University, and the tradition I am deeply indebted to. I have been thinking for many years about how to become a hardheaded idealist. Shortly after the celebration of the new millennium, I waved goodbye to the joyous crowds celebrating the New Year in the centennial hall for new missions, with my deeply-held beliefs in transcending passion, becoming a down-to-earth idealist and a rational constructor. Since I left Peking University, I have been adhering to these beliefs in every tiny detail, and putting what I understand as the tradition and spirit of Peking University into practice during my service in the Youth League, local governments and party leadership. “Quiet pragmatism, attention to detail, seeking no shortcuts and sparing no efforts” has become my catchphrase and my work ethic as a leader.

I know too well that I owe all these realizations, persistent practice, methods, commitment and courage to Peking University. For years Peking University has been educating me with her inexhaustible store of knowledge, edifying me with her unique culture, and elevating me with her noble spirit. She has bestowed upon me the most valuable treasure for my life. I want to express my gratitude to Peking University, to her leadership, teachers and students.

Ten years ago, at her centennial celebration, Peking University set up the goal to become a world-class university, integrating the three missions of national rejuvenation, university development and talents cultivation. The renowned writer Lu Xun used to remark, “Peking University has always been a pioneering force in innovation and progressive movements, leading China to a better and upward path.” During the past ten years we have witnessed this transforming spirit and the concerted efforts of all to move Peking University forward. They have produced the enormous improvements in various aspects, from teaching and researching, international communication and cooperation, to cultural prosperity and service development. Peking University is braving winds and waves to become an internationally renowned university.

I have firmly believed that the just criterion for the greatness of a university is to see whether its graduates can make a great contribution to the country, the nation and the whole world. To judge how far a university is away from its goal, we need only to look at the performance of its graduates. Therefore I used to tell my students, “The ideal graduates of Peking University are those who can help the university to realize its ideal.” I also left a message to the Youth League Committee where I used to work: “Only when ideals are deeply rooted in the fertile soil of reality can they yield sweet fruits of success.” As a new generation of Peking University students, you need to combine the university’s aspiration with your own studies and daily work in order to move her closer towards a world-class university. An excellent student is judged according to not only one’s academic record in the university, but more importantly, the contribution one makes in a specific area after ten, twenty or even thirty years of graduation. As is well put by the famous Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi, “It takes three days’ burning to verify the true jade, and it takes seven years’ growth to recognize the useful wood.” To help Peking University realize her dream requires several generations of its graduates to engage diligently in unostentatious hard work.

I really envy you, the younger generation of graduates, because you grow up in a new era, an era of development ushered in with reform and opening up, an era of information made possible by the internet, and an era of globalization marked with unprecedented communication and cooperation. You have benefited from a better environment for learning, an easier and more convenient access to knowledge and information. You are the new generation beaming with vitality, confidence and a most promising future.

Today I want to take this rare opportunity to share with you my experiences and thoughts. They may sound like empty clichés to you, but they have been the treasured truth I learned from Peking University. Our life’s journeys may run parallel in some aspects, but will always bear the stamp of our own time. I encourage you to explore your own paths and I shall respect your choices. I believe you, as carriers of Peking University’s time-honored spirit, will embrace a richer and more glorious future. You will contribute a new chapter to your personal success, the further development of Peking University, and the rejuvenation of our nation.

July is a departing season in Peking University. The light breeze from Weiming Lake sends our Alma Mater’s deep love, and the sweet flowers add sorrow to our farewell. You are going to different futures in various parts of the country and the world, and may never have a chance to meet again. But I believe there must be some bits of Peking University to have become part of our lives, as there must be a flower that never fades in our memory. No matter how far we have traveled and how much time has passed, the filial bond between us and our Alma Mater will not lose its strength of union, because we will always remember fondly of Peking University as where we spared no youthful sweat and as our most cherished spiritual home. The future path will be long and winding, but I believe you have packed enough of wisdom and strength in your traveling luggage. I warmly congratulate you on graduating from Peking University, and sincerely wish you every success in future endeavors.

Thank you all!

A Chinese version of the article can be found at Sina Financial and Economics Blog.

A Journey to Explore Innovation

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Day by day, make it anew.

        —— The book of Rites·The Great Learning

        I had not originally made plans to open a blog like this but was rather encouraged to do so by a good friend. However, once I decided to write a blog, I have given the day it should begin careful consideration. Today, August 26, 2012, is the two-year anniversary of my arrival in the United States to pursue further studies. Being such a significant-to-me date, I chose it to begin this blog. As I reflect on the path that has led me to make the decision to come to the US, I want to summarize the seven hundred and thirty days that I have spent living and working in this foreign land while discussing my future writing and research plans. Mine may seem an unusual life journey revolving as it does around issues pertaining to innovation.

I. Dream of Seven Years

It was as bright as day outside. Breaking free from noise and turbulence we had been experiencing, the plane finally entered into a smooth state. From ten thousand meters high, I gazed down at the sea of clouds. Thousands of thoughts suddenly filled my heart…

In little more than a year after leaving Peking University, the idea of returning grew strong in my heart. At the end of 1999, I was transferred to the Youth League Beijing Committee and appointed deputy secretary, thenceforth launching on my political career, one which from most perspectives seemed to be filled with bright prospects. Compared to gladness from rising through the ranks and to expectations of future promotions, I was more pleased to be given the opportunity to put my educational knowledge to practical use and verification outside the “ivory towers” of academia. The transition from the campus into the “real” world was an exciting one for me, full of joy and even a bit of impatience to achieve success and overcome the challenges inherent to the office of which I had been given charge. Running among endless business meetings and entertainment obligations, growing accustomed to the applause, flattery and smiling faces I encountered as a part of my position, as well as facing successfully the attendant struggles and difficulties my office presented, I seemed, on the surface at least, to be a happy and fortunate young man. Yet, at the same time I often found myself confused and bewildered. The idea of continuing work at a university as a scholar had steadily sprouted in my heart and mind. Such a return to comparatively simple enjoyment as well as a personally fulfilling life, and to do something I truly love while still in my prime did not disappear or even weaken when I was promoted to the office of secretary at the end of 2001.

It was in the summer of 2003 when I made the decision to return to academia. Although I seldom mentioned it to others, I had privately started all kinds of preparatory work. Change is inevitable; and what have to be well chosen are the timing and the manner of goodbye. My return to school is a certain move; and what need to be confirmed are the specific university and research field. In summer 2005 when I finished my dissertation defense for Peking University’s Law School, I formally reported my thoughts to the leadership at Beijing Committee of the Communist Party of China, and fortunately secured their understanding and support. My plan then was to take one year off to study abroad, further my study on the legislation of digital governance- research that I started during my doctoral period, and decide on my future career path upon my return. So, in my spare time, I began taking English courses and contacting overseas universities for application-related matters.

However, things took a twist in spring 2006. With no knowledge in advance, I was sent to work in Changping District. Offered such trust from my superiors and the organization, and seeing the expectations from cadres and people of Changping, I made a commitment in an official talk with the municipal leadership, half a year later, to fully dedicate myself to Changping and put aside for the moment my study plans. Such a promise was completely from my heart and out of my own volition. I have long held the firm belief to accomplish whatever task I have chosen, or those life’s opportunities have presented me, to the very best of my abilities. I want always to be able to move on without regret. I also would like to make sure every time I have performed my responsibilities in such a manner that those following me will not be troubled by things I have left undone or incorrectly done. Besides, I soon discovered Changping District to be wonderfully lovable and very much worth my unreserved devotion. Therefore, in the subsequent four years in Changping, I never brought up the plan of studying abroad again. Yet certainly, I never abandoned those thoughts either.

In June 2010, I at last realized my dream to return to the university. During the four years in Changping, I took the office of governor and party chief, in sequence, and completed the two historical tasks of undertaking the Olympics projects and serving the national holiday celebration. In November 2010, I made a formal application to the parent organization and leadership to leave the office and rejoin the university faculty following a period of study and research. In the first half of 2010, I resigned from office as party chief of Changping, became a member of the county bureau level leadership training class at the Party School of CPC Beijing Committee, and ultimately, joined the faculty of Beijing Normal University… Unhindered as it appeared, the process was full of twists and turns. Yet in general, I was lucky. It was indeed not easy to complete the transformation of identity and change of career with maximum understanding and minimum attention!

The aircraft landed smoothly at Boston Logan International Airport. A couple of days ago, a typhoon passed through the New England region. Although it did not severely affect local residents, the ravages of a summer storm could still be seen upon leaving the terminal. In this dark night of wind and rain, new life began …

II. Studying at Harvard

After a hectic first month, things settled down for the most part. One friend who had business in the States came as promised and brought me six cartons containing about three hundred Chinese books. When attending the welcome dinner arranged by Harvard China Fund, I had my first informal speech in Harvard. The dozen of attendees invited to the dinner party were all institution heads with expertise on China’s issues. Some of them were internationally known Sinologists. I have consequently kept up communications and established good relations with a number of them. In our future conversations, they repeatedly mentioned that  “very impressive” speech I made the other evening.

“… My supervisor once asked me, ‘So many scholars have written so many books and articles, but who really listen to their opinions? Why do you have to join them?’ My answer was, ‘I chose such a transition to scholarship, only to gain happiness and contentment in pursuit of knowledge. I do not care particularly if my opinions are adopted or even my voice heard by others.’ Now, when I am able to see the Harvard motto of ‘VERITAS’ almost every day, I am reassured that I have come to the right place.”

Harvard University, praised as “spiritual home” by many scholars, has now finally become a new starting point in my journey towards knowledge and truth!

Later, I came to see that not just Harvard, but Boston, Massachusetts and even the greater part of Eastern America are all treasure troves to observe and reflect on the nation’s innovation! The position held by some Chinese scholar that “ East America is about politics and West America about innovation” seemed indeed biased and superficial.

I set for myself three tasks for my initial two years at Harvard: reading, observing and thinking.

I finished over one hundred Chinese books, which for the past decade I “had the money to purchase but not the time to read”. I took twelve innovation-related courses at Harvard and MIT as well as participated in nearly a hundred academic activities, large and small. I also collected books and papers needed for writing, and formulated preliminary research ideas and a basic framework for my study.

I visited over ten US cities and towns, and conducted over fifty research-related discussions and interviews. I also had the privilege to borrow a spacious house from a friend. Through access to local communities, I gained in-depth understanding of how Americans truly live their lives. When my elder daughter later joined me in the States, for schooling and medical assistance, my knowledge and thoughts about America’s health care and educational systems was further deepened. In a phrase, what I have harvested in the past two years far exceeded the seeds of my expectations.

With fewer phone calls and barely any banquet requests, I was finally able to enjoy tranquility and freedom. Away from the distractions of a busy social schedule, I was able to hear and listen to the yearnings of my heart. To have adequate time to savor knowledge and truth is surely bliss for me, someone who needs time for contemplation.  A friend came to the States, on a special trip to visit me, to find out how things were going for me. He said to me before his departure, “We were all very worried when you made your choice. We even had a sense of tragedy. But now, having seen for myself how you study and live here, I cannot help but applaud for you.  What you are doing seems heroic!”  I appreciated my friend’s concerns and understanding, but I explained to him, “In fact, it was not tragic then nor heroic now. It is simply that I chose at middle age to have the normal and ordinary life of a scholar.  Such, I think, is a true portrayal of my two years’ at Harvard as a visiting scholar.

III. Aiming at innovation

In the States, I have focused my research on innovation theory and its applications. My goal is to explore the system and mechanism issues involved in constructing an innovative nation. My plan is to spend at least one, and at most three years putting together a piece of academic work, which I trust will have value and which I have tentatively entitled “Innovation in America”. From today on, I will publish my thoughts regularly on this blog, sharing my experiences and insights with all of you, in hope of responses and suggestions. A bird sings out to draw friends!

Such research directions, thoughts and plans were finalized at the beginning of 2009 when I was still in Changping. After working in Changping for one year, I gradually formed the idea of establishing a regional innovation system that integrates industry, learning and research. Centering on this idea, I mobilized forces to carry out lots of research work. While the work was fruitful, I discovered there was a lack of both academic achievements and practical experience in the field. There were too many blank areas. Digging further, I found, in stark contrast with the international community, domestic study on innovation was similar in content and without much depth, making it incredibly difficult to achieve such a lofty goal as building an innovative nation. I am someone who would rather understand something in the most complete fashion possible before taking action than do something before having figured out how. As I comprehended increasingly better about innovation, I find myself more eager than ever to learn still more. Through reconsidering what I had been doing since mid 1990s, I decided to orient my research toward “innovation” following my transition to become a scholar. I am determined to exhaust the rest of my life on a topic with such major theoretical and practical significance.

I taught in Peking University for five years after graduating from its master’s program. My research interests then were higher education and university campus culture. I not only published papers and books, but organized academic seminars as well. During Peking University’s one hundredth anniversary and the celebration of the eightieth anniversary of the “May Fourth” Movement, I called for contemporary youths, especially young college students, to be builders with innovativeness. Such constituted the main theme of my work: to nurture rational builders who “promote innovation and transcend passion”. After taking office at the Youth League Beijing Committee, I again proposed the working mentality of “construction, service, innovation and development”. By advocating turning the Youth League into a learning and service-oriented youth organization, I hoped to achieve the modernization of youth work.

From Peking University to the Youth League and then to Changping, my main line of work had been experimenting with and exploring “innovation”. To integrate other theories and practical issues under the framework of “innovation” was the important goal I assiduously sought after during my later term in Changping. With such thoughts and directions, I became more than ever determined to leave my political post for scholarship and faculty work. For me, it is no problem to have a late start and a slow speed- as long as the direction is correct. Yet, it is very troublesome and too risky to have a high starting point and fast speed if one is heading in the wrong direction. In this sense, grateful as I am to be moving on my life into the field of research and study, a large portion of my heart remains with the colleagues and friends in both the Youth League and Changping. The six years spent working in the Youth League Beijing Committee and the four years in Changping District had blessed me with invaluable experience in youth work and local governance, respectively. In addition, these years not only allowed me to devote my wisdom and labor to a beloved land and community, but also recalibrated the direction for my research. Most importantly, I was made completely fearless in chasing my dreams! I am forever thankful for the Youth League and Beijing’s outstanding youth group! I forever appreciate Changping and its people from the bottom of my heart!

It was too in Changping where I developed my hobbies of climbing mountains, and meditating while walking. I often enjoyed having simple and delicious food at roadside shops and farmyards. Whenever I walk along Charles River or order simple food from the many small restaurants in Harvard Square, I experience a joy similar to that with which I grew accustomed back home! It is the pleasure of delicious food and breathtaking scenery; it is also satisfaction from pursuing “innovation” which I shall blog about to share with you, my friends, in days to come.

Having written thus much and into the wee hours Beijing time. Let’s, without further ado, hit the road at this night-ending moment!

 A Chinese version of the article can be found at Sina Financial and Economics Blog.