All Swiss university kick-off event
On December 5 we organized the first All Swiss University Shanghai Alumni meeting, which we dedicated to one of the most discussed topics these days: "What is happening in China in matters of innovation?” with two guest experts on innovation and East Asian economic development: Prof. Jean-Pierre Lehmann from IMD Lausanne shared his views on the question if China will be able to escape the Middle Income Trap. While factors such as the willingness and capacity to undertake deeper reforms and the questions if the relationships between China and the world will grow in trust and become more collaborative, or will China be perceived as an economic threat and lead to protectionism.
Dr. George Yip, Co-Director of the CEIBS Centre on China Innovation, talked how Chinese companies move from imitation to innovation. Although in the Forbes ranking “The World’s most innovative countries” 2011 only 4 Chinese companies ranked in the top 100 (Tencent (4th), China Oilfield Services (40th), Sany Heavy Industry (72th), and Zoomlion Heavy Industry (75th) there can be found quite many good examples of specific innovation in China. Dr. Yip explained more detailed three different ways of Chinese innovation such as Cost Innovation, Application Innovation and Business Model Innovation. Dr. Yip gave some examples of innovative companies such as for example Antas Chemical Company or BYD
Dr. Yip ended his presentation with the question who could be China’s Steve Jobs?! The Swiss and Chinese alumni further discussed possible candidates over a glass of wine.
This event was the kick-off meeting for further events and activities we plan to organize for the alumni in Shanghai, with the aim to create an interactive community and further involve all the alumni in the swissnex China activities. Yesterday evening we welcomed alumni from universities of Bern, Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchatel, St.Gallen, Zurich, ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne, Ecole Hoteliere, IDHEAP, Geneva Conservatory of Music.
If you are interested to get involved in our alumni activities do not hesitate to contact us! We are happy to discuss your ideas and also keep you up-dated on future activities. Find more information here or email us info@swissnexchina.org
So who do you think, will be China’s Steve Jobs?
L-R, George S. Yip, Co-Director (CEIBS Centre on China Innovation), Prof. Jean-Pierre Lehmann (Professor IMD Lausanne), Heinrich Schellenberg, (Consul General of Switzerland)