China Engulfed in Blue Ocean Strategy

China Engulfed in Blue Ocean Strategy

“In the red oceans, industry boundaries are defined and accepted, and the competitive rules of the game are known. Here, companies try to outperform their rivals to grab a greater share of existing demand. As the market space gets crowded, prospects for profits and growth are reduced. Products become commodities, and cutthroat competition turns the red ocean bloody.” (Blue Ocean Strategy, p. 4-5)

Now translated in over 34 languages as well as becoming a global business buzz-word, Blue Ocean Strategy has spread its positive influence to China where it has succeeded in selling an astounding 500,000+ local copies.

In a recent interview (from Korea’s Digital Chosunilbo) in China, Blue Ocean Strategy co-author Professor Chan Kim commented:

Blue Ocean Strategy isn’t a ‘competition strategy’ but a ‘creative strategy.’ What is surprising is that successful innovators often didn’t benchmark their competitors. When management or leaders mention 'strategy', it often means 'competition strategy.’ It only focuses on how to beat one's competitors. What has changed history, however, was 'innovative strategy.' Look at former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew or India's Mahatma Gandhi and other respected leaders. They all adopted innovative strategies.

As a continuing example of just how powerful of a tool Blue Ocean Strategy is, the Chinese government has signaled that it is particularly interested in Blue Ocean Strategy to promote its national development.

Wow, the fastest growing and most populous economy adopting Blue Ocean Strategy on a national level! This is a serious wake-up call to organizations around the world who are not yet BOS practitioners. As Professor Kim notes “In the 21st century, the world will be led by a nation that has mastered Blue Ocean Strategy.”