recall some strategy used in long distance running race,
start with following leading runner for a while is not necessary wrong, otherwise it may take you more energy to achieve the same goal or even worse . "Yu Shu Zhe Bu Da"!
For a developing country like China ,only critical technology will receive most attention (haha , remember atomic bomb?),American's way in technology innovation and business is ONE good model, but simply it just not fit China right now.