(Article/ Wang Xuelu, Photo/ Tereza Rosenbergerova)
On November 8-9 the Innovation Management Program of Sino-Danish Center in collaboration with the Innovation Center Denmark held “Corporate Innovation Day”—a two-day set of activities in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship catering for managers, researchers and students.
This year’s Corporate Innovation Day was devoted to explore how Chinese and international companies take advantage of co-creation, user-centricity and digitalization in China. The event gave insights into how companies have adapted their business models to integrate digitalization, utilize users’ feedback and work with innovative researchers or start-ups to improve their products or expand their platforms. China is among the most competitive markets in the world. To stay competitive, companies are exploring new services and efficiency gains through digitalization. At the same time, companies are developing new ways of involving users and customers in their product development. This type of user-centricity and co-creation is not per say new internationally, but companies in China are uniquely positioned to utilize the Chinese market dynamics to place themselves at the international forefront of this development. But what are the pros and cons of digitalizing innovation processes or strengthening innovation through digitalization in China? How do companies work with external partners to gain an edge on their competitors? What are the best methods of involving users in product and service development? The Corporate Innovation Day 2018 sought to unravel and tackle these questions with the help of practitioners, academics and student who attended the event.
The event was hosted by Dmitrij Slepniov, Associate Professor and Director of the Innovation Management program and SDC. Professors from top universities in Denmark and China, managers of leading domestic and foreign companies and organizations, leaders and teachers from Sino-Danish center and all students were invited to attend.
In their opening remarks, SDC Dean Hong Zhao, Executive Director Morten Laugesen and Executive Director of the Innovation Center Denrmark Søren Boutrup Sørensen emphasized the importance of the Innovation Days and the commitment of SDC to continue organizing similar events bringing business leaders, academic and students together for in-depth dialogue bridging theory and practice and getting a better understanding of the current issues and trends.
The first day of the event consisted of open academic lectures by university professors and CEO of a creative studio- Mountains of Imagination, while the second day’s program was structured around the three themes of co-creation, user-centricity, and digitalization and entailed presentations delivered by managers from different companies as well as panel discussions.
In the academic lectures, Professor John Ulhøi from Aarhus University, Denmark shared his take on the role of nature in innovation and Professor Roberta Rabellotti from Aalborg University, Denmark and University of Pavia, Italy talked about her research on foreign direct investment of emerging market multinationals and how their investments abroad affect their innovation potential. The lectures gave the audience insights into the innovation drives and future development trends. These insights could help the students to establish a long-term vision and be brave innovators in the era of new opportunities.
Martin Barnes, a TEDx speaker and owner of a creative studio Mountains of Imagination in Beijing, gave a fire-talk about the latest trends about digitalization and user experience and user-centricity in China. According to him, living in today’s world full of smartphones and tablets, all the ideas and opportunities are so close to us and it is never been easier to share good ideas and get things done. Students and the rest of audience seemed very much enjoying this speech as they asked many questions and actively interacted with the speaker.
(Martin Barnes)
Bruno Keonnel, Senior manager of Research and Development Department at Daimler, gave a speech on “The Co-Creation of Enterprises in the Digital Age”. He introduced how the Daimler Mercedes-Benz brand works with virtual reality companies to improve their production line. By introducing virtual reality and augmented reality technology in the early design process of the product, the process becomes more simple and easier to control. In this way, Daimler can reduce the risk of later correction and rework, thereby reducing production costs and improving production efficiency. His insightful speech brought new perspectives and ideas to the students, and also gave an idea to the managers attending the event about how the technology now becomes an integral part of the innovation process.
(Bruno Keonnel)
Peter Lee, Head of the International Cooperation Department of Orient Sundar Group-Windoor, Group and John Liu, CTO of Guoshuang Technology Co., Ltd., gave presentations on the theme of “User-centricity in the digital age”. Peter Lee introduced the experience and secrets of successful operation of Sundar on domestic and international market. In the case of Guoshuang, Mr Liu explained how Guoshuang analyzes user data and use artificial intelligence technology and user-centricity strategy to shape the company's future development strategy.
(Peter Lee)
(John Liu)
Allan Chou, founder of RADICAL Fund, and Xue Yan, Director of Operations of Didi Development Research Institute, shared their experience about the topic of “Digitalization”. Allan introduced the original intention of the RADICAL fund and the company philosophy. Miss Xue introduced the development of Didi, and how Didi has improved its business and operational efficiency through emerging technologies and the use of big data.
(Allan Chou)
(Xue Yan)
After the lectures, students communicated with the business managers, raised their questions, and expressed their opinions.
A panel was also been held after each lecture. Every guest sat together and talked about their views and gave some comments on the topic, which brought some new insights and reflections to students.
(Panel discussion)
(group picture)
