Organizers: CKGSB, European Chamber
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Time: 14:30 – 17:00
Language: English
Venue: European Chamber Shanghai Office (Room 2204, Shuion Plaza, No. 333, Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai)
China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is now the world’s most dynamic and competitive market, driven by rapid innovation, shortened development cycles, and an increasingly sophisticated industrial ecosystem. As both Chinese and international automakers compete and collaborate in this fast-evolving landscape, understanding what is driving China’s EV success has become increasingly relevant for companies operating in the market.
China’s EV sector is reshaping not only vehicle manufacturing, but also the broader mobility ecosystem, from battery technology and autonomous driving to intelligent manufacturing and connected mobility. At the same time, leading global automakers are expanding their partnerships with Chinese companies, while an increasing number of suppliers and technology companies are exploring new opportunities created by this transformation.
To explore these developments, the European Chamber is pleased to organise the 2026 Electrical Vehicle Industry Seminar together with Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB). The seminar will examine the current state of China’s EV market, looking at the opportunities it presents for both domestic and international players. Professor Li Wei will share his perspectives on how innovation takes place within China’s EV industry, the business models adopted by leading Chinese companies, and how global automakers are partnering with Chinese companies to remain competitive in this dynamic market.
A panel discussion will follow bringing together Professor Li Wei and European industry representatives to exchange views on industry trends, market developments, evolving partnerships, and the opportunities and challenges China’s EV landscape.
Moderator:
Phone: +86 10 8518 8858 ext. 3235
E-mail: wli@ckgsb.edu.cn
Professor of Economics, Associate Dean for Asia and Oceania, Director of Case Research Department and Director of Big Data Economic Research Department, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB)
PhD, University of Michigan
Areas of Expertise: Corruption, Financial Markets, Macroeconomics, Managerial Incentives and Market Competition, Real Estate, Reform, Taxation, Telecommunications Privatization, Valuation in Emerging Markets
Dr. Li is Professor of Economics, Associate Dean for Asia and Oceania, Director of Case Research Department, and Director of Big Data Economic Research Department at the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB). Before joining CKGSB, Dr. Li was Professor of Business Administration (with tenure) at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Virginia, where he has served on the faculty since 2000. Since 2005, Dr. Li has also served as visiting Professor of Economics on the faculty of Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. Before joining Darden faculty, Dr. Li was assistant professor and then associate professor of business administration at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business from 1994 to 2000. He was also a visiting professor of strategy at Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management in 2004. He received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Michigan and his B.Eng. from Shanghai Jiaotong University (China).
An authority on Chinese economy and business, Dr. Li’s main research focus is on economic development, taxation, financial markets, corruption, corporate governance, corporate research and development, entrepreneurship, trade and investment in China. His work has been published in prominent academic journals and books, and some of his research results have also been featured in Foreign Affairs, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and on CNNfn (CNN Money) and Bloomberg TV. Professor Li has extensive consulting experience with multinational firms, Chinese firms, and the World Bank.
Dr. Li has taught Macroeconomics, Global Economies and Markets, Managerial Economics, and Emerging Markets Finance in MBA, Finance MBA, EMBA, and Global EMBA, and Executive Education programs.
Colin Si is the Head of Sustainability at Volvo Car’s Greater China region, in charge of driving sustainability strategy and strategic initiatives in collaboration with broad ecosystem partners. He has led Volvo Cars to one of most well recognized companies in Sustainability with multiple influential awards.
Colin has rich experience in Sustainability and is very passionate about it. He is a frequent speaker at various sustainability events to advocate sustainability.
Colin started his career at McKinsey. And before joining Volvo Cars, Colin has taken senior management roles in companies including Envision Group and Cisco China.
Colin holds an MBA degree from Kellogg Management School and a Master and Bachelor degree from Fudan university Management school.
Frances Dai is Compliance Officer of Bosch China. With more than 10 years’ experience in compliance management in MNC, she has broad experience and expertise ranging from localization and implementation of MNC corporate compliance management systems in China, promotion of corporate compliance culture and internal investigations. Frances received her MBA from Fudan University and is qualified to practice law in P.R. China.
