High-powered think tank seen as brains behind Chinese leaders

8. Gu Shengzu, vice-president of China Democratic National Construction Association, deputy director of Financial and Economic Committee, member of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress, president of the Research Institute of the Strategic Management.

Gu Shengzu, vice-president of China Democratic National Construction Association, speaks at China Brand Forum in Beijing, on Jul 16, 2015. [Photo/IC]

Gu has been invited to symposiums at Zhongnanhai at least three times. His experience is slightly different from the aforementioned seven brain powers for he was once actively involved in politics until 2007.

The recently concluded 5th Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee laid much emphasis on innovation. For this, Gu said innovation is the key to power economic development. China used to rely much upon cheap labor, vast land and investment for development. It's high time China turn to another direction.