What is it?
China's Scientific Development concept is the current official guiding socio-economic ideology of the Communist Party of China. It was developed by Hu Jintao, General Secretary of the Communist party of China and President of the People's Republic of China. While the ideology promotes social welfare, sustainable development, and increased democracy, it's main focus is the creation of a Harmonious Society. After Hu Jintao came to power in 2005, he met with his high-ranking colleagues to hash out a new approach to address the country's social problems and general instability. They concluded with the need for a new ideological campaign designed to shift the focus from "economic growth" to "social harmony."

What's the need for it?
Some of the social problems it would address China's Scientific Development Concept - Design for Developments:

• lack of democratic rights
• official corruption
• huge and growing gap between rich and poor
• widening disparities between rural and urban areas
• chronic unemployment
• apalling record of industrial disasters
• severe pollution

Did it work?
The concept received mixed results. Some groups strongly oppose the ideology in favor of greater emphasis for the path of economic growth. Others, like one particular reporter from China Daily, proclaim that the Harmonious Society will be amodel for the world. His full article can be read here. The complete success or failure of this ideology remains to be seen. For now, the most we can say is that the intentions appear to be in the right place in order to help China address other issues raised by continuing to grow at such a rapid pace.



Other relevant articles:
Will Harmonious Society Herald a New Chinese Business Environment?
Building harmonious society crucial for China's progress: Hu
Corruption blurs China's goal of Harmonious Society
Letter from China: A 'harmonious society' hearing different notes


Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonious_Society
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_Development_Concept
http://be2.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/chinanews/200711/20071105205570.html