The CKGSB
Case Research Department

As technological disruption accelerates and consumer markets evolve rapidly, businesses are entering an era of constant change. Empowering the Future: Innovation and Globalization in an Age of Variables presents 16 case studies of leading Chinese enterprises across diverse industries including TCL, Geely, Anta and BYD.

The book examines how firms respond to digital transformation, competition, and shifting consumer demand through innovation, organizational agility, operational excellence, and globalization. Structured around five themes—strategy, globalization, branding, operations, and ecosystems—it offers a practical framework for sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness in uncertain environments.

Unleashing Innovation: Ten Cases from China on Digital Strategy and Market Expansion, chronicles the incredible success stories of eleven remarkable companies that are spearheading innovation in the China market with their strategy, business models, and ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of tech innovation and globalization.Drawing on extensive research and interviews conducted by the esteemed professors and researchers at the CKGSB Case Research Department, this book presents a fresh perspective on these innovative companies, offering valuable insights and learnings that holds huge significance to global businesses.

Consumers and technology are two key forces reshaping the business landscape and driving companies to innovate. With more than 10 cases, this book demonstrates how 17 enterprises in China and from China actively tackle transformation and innovation in unique ways in respond to the shifting market landscape. Companies studied in this book include ByteDance, Freeplus, Genki Forest, H World, JAKA, Linglong Tire, NIO, OATLY, SHEIN and Stitch Fix. Representing different industries and companies of various sizes, these companies share in common their pursuit of innovation in products, brand, business model, digitalization, organization and strategy. 

China in Transition is a compilation of 10 case studies on how Chinese companies are breaking the mold. From traditional companies—like Huawei and Midea—that have transitioned through mergers and acquisitions, to other enterprises—such as Haier and HLA—that have evolved by embracing internet technologies and new business models, this book explores how private Chinese companies have changed to sustain growth and even serve as a roadmap for companies elsewhere looking to adapt to the interconnected new economy. With its pulse on the Chinese economy, this book also looks at startups, like Ucommune, Tujia and Alibaba’s Hema Fresh, which are adapting and localizing ideas for China, while innovating beyond the original concept to create a better model for the new business ecosystem. Addressing financing of businesses, the book examines how Qihoo 360 leveraged American and Chinese capital markets, while Alibaba’s Ant Financial leveraged the Internet, to redefine funding and open up new opportunities for businesses. Finally, it highlights how a non-profit institution, Adream Foundation, rethinks charity and education by integrating business management models in its social work.

This book describes 11 classic cases of transformation among Chinese internet companies: new corporate strategies and innovative business models for a rapidly changing era. Selected case studies include those on giants such as Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, and JD.com, rookies such as Xiaomi, and traditional companies that have incorporated the internet in their business practice. We endeavor to inform readers of what business really entails the “internet plus” era. Businesses that want to survive have to overthrough existing models and rules. They have to adapt in order to ride the waves of change, and break the rules so as to stand out from the crowd and progress.

This book is made up of two parts: capital markets and financial innovation. Ten case studies illustrate innovations and breakthroughs in the complex world of Chinese finance. In the capital markets section, we discuss three classic cases: New Oriental after the Muddy Waters Investigation, Alibaba’s IPO, and Qihoo 360: Going Private, showing readers how Chinese companies have engaged with overseas capital amidst market fluctuations over the past decade. A macroeconomic perspective is taken on cases such as Yu’ebao and the impact of China's interest rate marketization, and a comparison of Chinese and US bond markets. In the second section, we showcase financial innovations by Chinese internet firms, and how Chinese fintech companies have learned to make use of mature financial market instruments. Studies include Ant Financial, JD Crowdfunding, online equity crowdfunding and China's first real estate investment trusts (REITS).

This book focuses on transformations undertaken by a range of companies: from manufacturing giants Huawei, Midea and Haier, to benchmark firms in the cultural sector such as Chinese animation company, Alpha Group, to retail representatives Hema Fresh and Suning. Success or failure, just starting out on a transition, seeing its results, or reaping its rewards, their experiences and lessons are invaluable. Some are committed to technology R&D and investment, creating value through technology industrialization, such as iFLYTEK, with its voice recognition software, and a 3D printing industry chain representative. Some companies have transformed and upgraded from traditional to technology-driven operations. Haier, Midea, Suning and others have made advances in digitalization, maximizing the usage of data. Others have put mass customization into effect such as Qingdao Kutesmart. Yet others have used new technology, new ecosystems, new market formats and new organizational structures, such as Hema Fresh in new retail, and Huawei phones in mobile telecommunications. Tackling challenges from all directions, these companies are doing their best to win on complicated business battlefields.