CKGSB Publication

From Startups to Unicorns
Unlocking Growth Through Ecosystems

This white paper was developed in response to an emerging trend in the business world: That scaling is not an isolated endeavor, but requires building partnerships with a wide range of companies, in so-called ecosystems.

Download the report

In today’s increasingly complex and technologically driven landscape, scaling up has never been more complex. This white paper was developed in response to an emerging trend in the business world: That scaling is not an isolated endeavor, but requires building partnerships with a wide range of companies, in so-called ecosystems.

Ecosystems can encompass a wide range of players and stakeholders, from enterprises to customers to government agencies, suppliers, and government agencies. In this white paper we examine the strategies companies can use to effectively engage with these partners and ecosystem players, to scale up more effectively.

This white paper examines strategies such as leveraging globalization, integrating into local ecosystems, choosing the right supply chain model, and building an ecosystem of loyal customers, all backed up by real-world case studies and rigorous research from CKGSB’s faculty. The white paper also acknowledges ecosystems are shaped by a wide range of external forces. It hones in on those including AI and geopolitics affecting the ecosystem landscape while offering advice on how to navigate around the rapid shifts these forces have on the ecosystem landscape.

DOWNLOAD REPORT

Enjoying what you’re reading?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to get more China insights delivered to your inbox.

Continue reading

CKGSB 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report

The CKGSB 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report showcases the school's innovative approaches and practices in promoting responsible management education through research and insights, comprehensive programs and courses, strategic partnerships and dialogues, and effective institutional practices.

Unleashing Innovation: Ten Cases from China on Digital Strategy and Market Expansion

Unleashing Innovation: Ten Cases from China on Digital Strategy and Market Expansion tells the stories behind eleven remarkable companies in China, including Chinese companies and global MNCs, leading the way in tech innovation and international expansion.

Fuel the Soft Power: The Role of High-Tech Companies in the Soft Power Rivalry between China and the United States

This report delves into how China and the United States utilize soft power to enhance their global standing, with a specific emphasis on the growing importance of high-tech companies in the race for international influence.

CKGSB 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report

The CKGSB 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report showcases the school's innovative approaches and practices in promoting responsible management education through research and insights, comprehensive programs and courses, strategic partnerships and dialogues, and effective institutional practices.

Unleashing Innovation: Ten Cases from China on Digital Strategy and Market Expansion

Unleashing Innovation: Ten Cases from China on Digital Strategy and Market Expansion tells the stories behind eleven remarkable companies in China, including Chinese companies and global MNCs, leading the way in tech innovation and international expansion.

Fuel the Soft Power: The Role of High-Tech Companies in the Soft Power Rivalry between China and the United States

This report delves into how China and the United States utilize soft power to enhance their global standing, with a specific emphasis on the growing importance of high-tech companies in the race for international influence.

Our Programs

New Energy and the Disruption of Traditional Industries

Global Unicorn Program Series

The Global Unicorn Program in New Energy and the Disruption of Traditional Industries – presented jointly by CKGSB and University of Sydney – will emphasize Australia’s distinctive contributions.

LocationSydney, Australia

DateFebruary 11-14, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Asia Start

Asia Start provides entrepreneurs and executives with unparalleled access to Asia’s dynamic digital economy and its business ecosystems, offering the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and unlock future growth for your business in Asia and beyond.

LocationBeijing, Shenzhen, Hong Kong

DateMarch 24-28, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program

Global Unicorn Program Series

The 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program stands at the forefront of addressing the critical need for innovative healthcare solutions powered by artificial intelligence.

LocationJohns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.

DateMay 5-9, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Scaling Innovation: AI and Digital Strategies for Business Transformation

Global Unicorn Program Series

This program is designed to equip senior executives with the strategic insights and tools necessary to lead in this transformative era.

LocationNew York, USA

DateJune 23-27, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Global Unicorn Program: Scaling for Success in the Age of AI

Global Unicorn Program Series

In collaboration with the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD), this CKGSB program equips entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and key stakeholders with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to lead a new generation of unicorn companies.

LocationStanford University Campus, California, United States

DateSeptember 29 – October 3, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Emerging Tech Management Week: Silicon Valley

Global Unicorn Program Series

Co-developed by CKGSB and UC Berkeley College of Engineering, this program equips participants with proven strategies, cutting-edge research, and the best-in-class advice to fuel innovation, seize emerging tech developments, and catalyse transformation within your organization.

LocationUC Berkeley

DateNovember 2-7, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more