China's shift toward innovation-led growth is playing a key role in strengthening the resilience of the world's second-largest economy, said Robert Koopman, former chief economist of the World Trade Organization.

"I'd say right now, a big part of that has been a shift in the Chinese growth model that's focusing more on innovation and incentives for research and development," he told China Perspective during a recent exclusive interview. "I think that's had a very big, positive impact on certain sectors in the Chinese economy."

On China's growth outlook, Koopman said he remains optimistic about the country's ability to sustain around five percent economic growth, even as challenges increase when economies approach the global technology frontier.

Looking ahead, Koopman identified innovation and technological progress as key drivers of China's future economic performance. "I think one of the most important drivers of China's economic growth in the near future is this focus on research and development and innovation and technological change," he said. "And I think that China will be successful there."