From ‘factory’ to ‘innovator’

Amy Trang

With its growing consumer market and appetite for innovation, China presents a seemingly endless array of opportunities for new business and growth.

But those who would enter this arena also face a host of potential pitfalls, including cultural and legal hurdles and the problems of sustainable development.

To address and discuss these issues, about 170 Kellogg School students, faculty and alumni will gather Feb. 14 for the annual Greater China Business Conference at the James L. Allen Center. This year’s theme is “From the World’s Factory to the World’s Innovators.”

The conference’s sessions will focus on the various aspects of building a business in China, including marketing strategies, the investment environment and governmental challenges.

“China is not only faced with the challenge of sustainable development but also the task of becoming an area for innovation,” said Jessica Yau ’09, co-chair of the conference. “Numerous obstacles still need to be overcome to reach this innovative dream. This conference will provide a forum for exploration into these legal, economic and cultural challenges and a discussion of relevant strategies to overcome them through key speakers, interactive panel discussions and networking opportunities.”

Two keynote speakers will highlight the daylong conference: Sara Yang Bosco, president of Emerson Electric Asia-Pacific, and Michael Barbalas, president of the American Chamber of Commerce China. Panel discussions and keynote addresses will include insights from leaders who are successfully building their businesses in China.

The morning panel discussion will focus on the marketing efforts companies are making to attract Chinese consumers. It also will address how to build Chinese brands globally.
Panelists include Donald H. Bullock ’93, vice president and general manager of Eaton Corp.; David Chen ’03, director of marketing of MedSphere Corp.; David Nealis, president of Blue Bridge Inc.; and Gary Wolfson, managing director of GEP Capital Group Inc.

The afternoon panel discussion will concentrate on China’s financial and investment environment. The panelists will speak about new legislation and investment trends, along with the impact of post-Olympics nationalism. The panelists include Peter Guang Chen, partner at Deloitte Tax LLP; Robert Kinsella ’76, president and CEO of Kinsella Group Inc.; and Thomas J. Toy ’79, managing director of PacRim Venture Partners.

The final panel will focus on building a business in China, including the challenges facing start-up companies or businesses that are opening a new branch. Panelists include Shi Han, founder and managing partner of ChinaLine LLC; Daniel P. Harris, founding member of Harris & Moure; and Jeff Day ’83, founder of International Leverage LLC.

Kellogg professors, including Angela Y. Lee, the Mechthild Esser Nemmers Professor of Marketing; Wan Wongsunwai, assistant professor of accounting information and management; and Benjamin Jones, associate professor of management and strategy, will moderate the panel discussions.