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Patriot-preneur

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Blalock, E. C. and Lyu, X. (2023). The patriot-preneur – china’s strategic narrative of women entrepreneurs in chinese media. Entrepreneurship &Amp; Regional Development, 35(3-4), 264-296. https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2023.2165170

Wiig, H., Schou, P. K., & Hansen, B. (2023). Scaling the great wall: how women entrepreneurs in china overcome cultural barriers through digital affordances. Entrepreneurship &Amp; Regional Development, 36(3-4), 294-311. https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2023.2261393

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national

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Entrepreneurship as liberating, non routine entrepreneur

About the Recipe

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How China's Patriot-preneurs Differ from Other Entrepreneurs


In the ever-evolving landscape of global entrepreneurship, China's patriot-preneurs stand out as a unique breed. These women, championed by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping, are redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur in the world's most populous nation.

Unlike their counterparts in the West, who often prioritize individual success and financial gain, patriot-preneurs see their entrepreneurial endeavors as a means to serve the greater good of the nation. For them, starting a business isn't just about pursuing their passion or making a profit; it's about contributing to China's economic and social development.


This patriotic mindset is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese values such as filial piety and Marxism. Patriot-preneurs are expected to balance their roles as successful business owners with their duties as devoted mothers, obedient daughters, and loyal citizens. It's a tall order, but one that the CPC believes is essential for maintaining social harmony and stability.


In contrast, entrepreneurs in other parts of the world often operate with a greater degree of autonomy and individualism. They may be motivated by a desire to disrupt industries, create innovative products, or simply be their own boss. While they may give back to their communities through philanthropy or corporate social responsibility initiatives, their primary focus is typically on building and scaling their businesses.

Patriot-preneurs, on the other hand, are explicitly encouraged by the state to put their country first. They are held up as role models not just for their business acumen, but for their loyalty and devotion to the motherland. This nationalistic ethos is reinforced through state-controlled media, which carefully crafts the narrative of the patriot-preneur as a heroic figure in China's economic and social development.

Another key difference is the level of support and guidance patriot-preneurs receive from the government. The CPC has made entrepreneurship a key pillar of its economic strategy, and has put in place numerous policies and initiatives to support women entrepreneurs in particular. From subsidies and tax incentives to training programs and networking opportunities, patriot-preneurs have access to a wide range of resources to help them succeed.

This level of state involvement is far less common in other entrepreneurial ecosystems, where startups often have to fend for themselves in a competitive marketplace. While governments may offer some support through grants or incubator programs, the onus is largely on the entrepreneur to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.

Perhaps most importantly, patriot-preneurs are part of a broader national narrative that ties their individual success to the success of the nation as a whole. Their entrepreneurial journeys are not just personal stories of triumph over adversity, but parables of China's rise as a global economic power. In this sense, they are more than just business owners; they are symbols of China's march towards modernity and prosperity.

As China continues to exert its influence on the global stage, the patriot-preneur is likely to become an increasingly important figure in the country's entrepreneurial landscape. While their approach may differ from that of their peers in other parts of the world, there is no denying the impact they are having on China's economy and society. As such, they offer a fascinating case study in how entrepreneurship can be harnessed as a tool for national development and social change

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China's Patriot-preneurs: The New Faces of Entrepreneurship Under Xi Jinping

In the heart of China's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, a new breed of entrepreneur is emerging – the patriot-preneur. These women, empowered by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping himself, are not just building businesses; they are building a nation.

The patriot-preneur is the embodiment of Xi's vision for China's economic future. She is a woman who engages in her "Chinese Dream" of entrepreneurship not just for personal gain, but to uplift her family, fellow citizens, and the nation as a whole. Her entrepreneurial journey is a manifestation of her love for the motherland, a testament to her resilience in the face of hardship, and a symbol of the collective power of Chinese women.

This strategic narrative, carefully crafted by the CPC and disseminated through state-controlled media, is a masterclass in soft power. By positioning women entrepreneurs as devoted patriots, China is redefining the very notion of entrepreneurship. No longer is it just about individual success; it's about contributing to the greater good of the nation.

Central to the patriot-preneur narrative are the traditional Chinese values of filial piety and Marxism. The ideal female entrepreneur must not only run a successful business but also fulfill her roles as a dutiful mother, obedient daughter, and loyal citizen. It's a delicate balancing act, but one that the CPC believes is essential for maintaining social harmony and stability.

Some may argue that this narrative places an unfair burden on women, expecting them to be superwomen who can do it all. But the CPC sees it differently. By encouraging women to embrace their "triple role" responsibilities, the Party believes it is empowering them to be active agents in China's economic and social development.

Of course, the patriot-preneur narrative isn't just about ideology; it's also about pragmatism. With China poised to become the world's largest economy, the country needs all hands on deck. Women, who make up half the population, are a crucial part of that equation. By inspiring them to become entrepreneurs, China is tapping into a vast pool of talent and potential.

But the rise of the patriot-preneur also raises important questions about the future of entrepreneurship in China. As the lines between business and politics become increasingly blurred, will there be room for entrepreneurs who don't fit the patriot-preneur mold? Will those who prioritize profit over patriotism find themselves on the wrong side of the CPC's vision for China's future?

Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the patriot-preneur is here to stay. She is the new face of entrepreneurship in Xi Jinping's China – a woman who dreams big, works hard, and always puts her country first. And as China continues its meteoric rise on the global stage, the world will be watching to see just how far the patriot-preneur can go.

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