The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) is seeking proposals from qualified economists, scholars, and subject-matter experts to contribute to an upcoming article series, “Reassessing the China Model.” This initiative seeks to critically examine prevailing narratives around China’s state-led development approach and to provide rigorous, evidence-based analysis on its underlying dynamics, trade-offs, and broader implications.
The articles will deepen understanding among policymakers, economists, and thought leaders—particularly in developing economies—on China’s economic growth and state-led development model by presenting alternative perspectives grounded in market principles, institutional development, and first-hand Chinese economic analysis. CIPE intends to award 8-10 contracts for these articles, with multiple articles exploring each thematic category. Writers may submit pitches proposing up to four articles, and CIPE expects to select approximately two articles per category.
Selected authors will work closely with CIPE throughout the drafting process, including topic selection, editorial development, and coordination with relevant partners.
About CIPE
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) is a global organization that works to strengthen democracy and build competitive markets in challenging environments. Working alongside local partners and emerging leaders, CIPE implements programs that advance economic freedom, expand opportunity, and strengthen democratic resilience.
Project Abstract
In recent years, the widely referenced “China model” of state-led development has gained traction among policymakers, economists, and intellectuals in parts of the developing world. This narrative often highlights China’s rapid growth, industrial policy, and strong state control, while understating the risks, trade-offs, and structural challenges embedded in China’s economic system.
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) seeks to reexamine this narrative by evaluating the main drivers of China’s economic growth and the domestic and international consequences of Chinese-style state-led development. Through a series of accessible, research-driven and evidence-based articles grounded in empirical data, documented case studies, and credible primary and secondary sources, CIPE aims to present alternative perspectives grounded in market principles, institutional development, and first-hand Chinese economic analysis.
The objectives of this initiative are to:
- Critically examine the challenges and limitations of “Chinese-style” state-led development
- Highlight the domestic economic consequences of Chinese industrial and governance policies
- Address common misconceptions surrounding the China model among international audiences
- Amplify credible Chinese economic voices that emphasize market competition, entrepreneurship, and a more limited role of the state as drivers of growth
- Engage economists and intellectuals in South and Southeast Asia through analysis and dialogue
- Produce rigorous, evidence-based analysis grounded in economic data, primary sources, and documented Chinese policy and market outcomes
Scope of Work
The article series will examine widely held misconceptions about China’s development experience. Illustrative themes include, but are not limited to, the following:
- “China’s growth proves state-led development is superior.”
- Myth: China’s success depends on the state-directed economy.
- “Authoritarianism enables efficiency and long-term planning.”
- Myth: Centralized political control allows governments to plan better and act faster.
- “China’s development model lifts people out of poverty through state-led growth.”
- Myth: State-led investment automatically drives productivity and sustainable growth.
- “Industrial policy guarantees technological self-sufficiency.”
- Myth: Massive subsidies and state-backed national champions inevitably produce innovation.
- “State-owned enterprises (SOEs) stabilize and grow the economy.”
- Myth: SOEs provide employment stability and macroeconomic resilience during downturns.
Content may include (but is not limited to):
- Structural challenges or blind spots of state-led industrial policy
- Costs of SOE dominance and capital misallocation
- Innovation constraints under political and regulatory control
- Conditions for private entrepreneurs and their economic implications
- Domestic Chinese perspectives on why markets contribute to stronger growth
- Implications of the China model for developing economies, considering similar paths
Articles must be grounded in verifiable data, empirical research, and documented evidence, including official statistics, peer-reviewed research, policy documents, firm-level or sectoral case studies, and first-hand Chinese economic sources. Where possible, authors should cite publicly available datasets or clearly indicate data limitations and methodological constraints.
Submissions should clearly distinguish analysis from opinion and include citations or references sufficient for readers to evaluate underlying claims.
Other key parameters:
- Length: Approximately 2,000–2,500 words per article
- Language: Published in English and Chinese
- Style: Accessible, analytically rigorous, and data- and research-driven, written for a broad audience while maintaining academic and empirical integrity.
- Target audience: Economists, intellectuals, policymakers, and informed public audiences
CIPE may engage additional editorial, graphic design, and translation support as needed to ensure high-quality presentation, accessibility, and dissemination of the articles across languages and platforms.
The total budget for this risk assessment is $3,000 per accepted article.
Qualifications
Qualified applicants may include economists, scholars, and intellectuals with expertise in China’s political economy.
How to Apply
- Interested applicants should submit a one-page idea pitch supported by data, relevant research, and proposed sources, along with a summary of experience.
- Submissions may be written in either English or Chinese.
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with a preferred submission deadline of June 30, 2026.
- To receive full consideration, proposals should be submitted via email to Mia Lu at mlu@cipe.org.
- The email subject line should read: “Application – Reassessing the China Model [Last Name]”.
CIPE is an equal opportunity employer.
CIPE is committed to the highest level of business ethics including the prevention of potential and real conflict of interests. As part of this commitment, all Offerors must certify that they have not received non-public information from CIPE or its staff in preparing their bid and that no conflict of interest exists that would impair their performance.
Expertise in China's political economy; ability to write 2,000-2,500 word evidence-based articles in English or Chinese; submit one-page pitch and experience summary.
Key Responsibilities
- writing articles
- conducting research
- analyzing economic data
Job Details
- Category: Research and Development (R&D)
- Seniority: No Prior Experience Required
- Commitment: Contract
- Workplace: Remote — North America
- Salary: USD 3,000 – 3,000 / year
- Languages: English, Chinese
About Center for International Private Enterprise
A global organization that strengthens democracy and builds competitive markets in challenging environments. — Industry: Non-Profit Organizations and NGOs