If there is one area where artificial intelligence cannot surpass human beings, it is creativity, which AI inherently lacks, says Zheng Yuhuang, the coauthor of the recently published book Chuangzaoli (Creativity) by Tsinghua University Press.

"Creativity involves bringing something entirely new into existence, inventing what hasn't been seen before," he notes.

Can AI invent something entirely new? Zheng's answer is "no".

"AI can only build upon what already exists — what humans have invented and the frameworks we've established. Its role is to enhance these creations, boosting efficiency and accelerating processes," he further explains.

"Creativity is something AI can never replace in humans," he adds.

Earlier this year, Zheng left Tsinghua University, where he completed undergraduate studies in 1998 and had taught at the Department of Marketing since 2008. His books about marketing and self-help include Dushu Gaibian Mingyun (Education Changes Destiny), an autobiography telling how Zheng, born in a rural area in East China's Fujian province, changed his destiny through hard work and education.

Creativity is a book Zheng coauthored with another writer, Jiang Kunyi, who has a master's degree in applied economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. The book is based on research Zheng led from 2015 to 2018, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China about the influencing factors, underlying mechanisms and management insights of individual creativity.