OpenClaw in China: A Model of Innovation to Follow

The Impact of OpenClaw in China: A Technological Revolution

Thomas Derksen, a German entrepreneur who has lived in China for over ten years, has witnessed the impressive rise of OpenClaw in the country. In a detailed conversation, he explains why the West should pay attention to this rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. Derksen, who has been residing in China since 2016, runs a business focused on economic intelligence and is particularly interested in the differences between the West and Asia.

When he learned that thousands of people were queuing outside Tencent's headquarters in Shenzhen, he immediately recognized the significance of this event. Among those people, many were elderly or retired, which caught his attention. Accompanied by his friends, he went to the site to install QC Claw, the local version of OpenClaw, integrated into the WeChat ecosystem. For Derksen, this moment is historic as it marks the beginning of AI being accessible to everyone, not just technology enthusiasts.

A Microeconomy Around OpenClaw

The enthusiasm for OpenClaw is undeniable. On platforms like Xiaohongshu and Xianyu, paid installation services have emerged, with prices ranging from 50 to 700 yuan, or about 7 to 101 dollars. This situation illustrates such strong demand that a microeconomy has developed to help people get started with this tool.

However, Derksen emphasizes that OpenClaw is just a tool. Without a concrete use case or a business idea, its application could be limited. Yet, in China, some entrepreneurs are finding practical applications. For example, a lobster shop owner uses OpenClaw to analyze online reviews and adjust his menu based on the preferences of young consumers. This approach demonstrates how OpenClaw can truly make a difference and not just be a gadget.

The Chinese government also supports OpenClaw, seeing it as a means to stimulate entrepreneurship, particularly for young people looking to start their own businesses. This trend encourages the creation of small businesses with one or two people using a hundred AI agents, rather than large human teams.

Technological Optimism in China

Derksen observes that Chinese people are more optimistic and curious about technology. In Germany, economic stability leads people to be content with their current situation. In contrast, in China, people are constantly seeking new opportunities to improve their lives and those of their children. They are open to technology and innovation, hoping that the future will be better through their hard work and continuous learning.

Shenzhen is an example of this dynamic ecosystem, attracting not only Chinese but also foreigners. The city offers a conducive environment for startups, with solid funding, an efficient supply chain, and well-established logistics. China is an ideal place to launch a startup, particularly in the fields of innovation, technology, hardware, and robotics.

A Contrast with Germany

In Germany, the situation is different. The automotive industry, a pillar of the German economy for decades, is under pressure, and defense spending is a constant source of frustration. Startups face challenges due to high taxes and a lack of a subsidy culture for new technologies. This uncertain economic climate fosters growing pessimism.

The reaction to technologies like OpenClaw illustrates this contrast. In China, a crayfish shop owner sees a tool and wonders how to use it to grow her business. In Germany, the first reaction would be to question whether this technology will replace existing jobs. This difference in attitude underscores the importance of understanding and learning from Asian successes in technological innovation.