Ren Zhengfei’s Take on Internet Thinking: From Automation to Strategic Innovation

1. Don't Talk About Industry 4.0 Prematurely

Ren Zhengfei says we must first achieve industrial automation before moving to informationization and intelligence. China still lacks full automation; premature Industry 4.0 proposals are like “sandwich cookies”. He stresses improving education and human quality.

2. Grow Watermelons on a Peach Tree

He urges companies to diversify beyond a single business model, using the peach‑tree metaphor to illustrate the need for multiple revenue streams. Huawei’s core is ICT, not just smartphones.

3. Beware of "Innovation" and "Disruption" Chants

Ren lists five “don’ts”: avoid envy, avoid hype, avoid the word “disruption”, avoid blind innovation that scatters resources, and avoid fixation on trends. He emphasizes solid platforms, transparent processes, and learning from successful companies.

4. Seize Strategic Opportunities Decisively

He outlines five “musts”: stick to strengths while learning from leaders like Tesla, pursue continuous innovation without reckless disruption, stay open to capture strategic points, embrace self‑criticism and disruptive innovation responsibly, and maintain a “turtle spirit” of steady, value‑driven work.

5. Learn from Li Xiaowen

Huawei honors the late academic Li Xiaowen for his dedication and simplicity, using his image in an advertisement and urging leaders to avoid opportunism and stay open.

6. Return to Scientific Management

Ren highlights the “Blue Blood Ten” model, advocating data‑driven, rational decision‑making, market‑based analysis, and professional spirit as essential for modern enterprise management.