Innovation and Involution: A Conversation with CSIS’s Scott Kennedy

About this episode

Scott Kennedy discusses his recent trip to China, focusing on the tech sector and economic trends.

On this special episode of China Field Notes, guest host Ilaria Mazzocco interviews the program’s usual host, CSIS Trustee Chair Scott Kennedy, about his latest trip to China. Scott shares insights on the split-screen picture of China’s booming tech sector, including his visit to BYD, and signs of a slowing economy. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the state of U.S.-China relations and shifting dynamics in Hong Kong.

People in this episode

Host: Scott Kennedy

Guest: Ilaria Mazzocco

Topics covered

• technology
• economy
• U.S.-China relations
• Hong Kong dynamics
• innovation

Keywords

• China
• technology
• economy
• U.S.-China relations
• Hong Kong
• BYD
• innovation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CSIS, BYD

Places: China, Hong Kong

More episodes of China Field Notes – with Scott Kennedy

• History from Below: Harvard’s Michael Szonyi on Fieldwork, History, and U.S.-China Relations · December 11, 2025 · 54 min
• China’s Economic Progress and Challenges: A Conversation with Leading Chinese Economist Yao Yang · November 25, 2025 · 50 min
• The Enduring Value of Studying in China: A Conversation with the HNC’s Adam Webb. · November 12, 2025 · 33 min
• Crossing Worlds: Han Shen Lin on Leadership, Finance, and U.S.-China Relations · October 22, 2025 · 34 min
• Field Research and Governance in Xi’s China: Reflections from Middlebury’s Jessica Teets · October 8, 2025 · 1h 1m
• Reporting on China’s Age of Uncertainty: A Conversation with CNBC’s Evelyn Cheng · September 9, 2025 · 51 min