In early October, Asia Programs hosted “China Goes Global,” a two-day conference held at Harvard Kennedy School. Convening over 120 academics and public officials from 20 countries and 19 American states, this multi-national event assessed the globalization of Chinese firms and the resulting political and business implications. More than 50 students and fellows attended conference presentations while an additional 15 students volunteered during conference events.
Since 1978, China has experienced a dramatic rise to economic and political power. Not only is China the world’s most populous country, it now has the second largest economy, surpassing the U.S. as the largest recipient of foreign direct investments. Chinese firms are increasingly extending their brand presence beyond country borders; the country is now the fifth largest exporter and the third largest trader in the world. Yet, the country’s rise to power can be perceived as irregular and unsustainable in the long term.
Scholars presented more than 50 academic papers on current research on China’s role in the world economy. The event marked the formal kick-off of a three year multi-disciplinary research project on Chinese firms’ internationalization. One journal issue and one book are already in development as a result of the conference.
Speaker topics included:
- Chinese global competitiveness
- Political transformation, institutional change, and globalization of China
- The impact of Chinese businesses and firms on the global business environment
- China’s policies towards acquisition of natural and strategic resources
- Outward Direct Investment (ODI) of China and Chinese companies
“We are witnessing a watershed moment in China’s modern history,” said Anthony Saich, faculty chair of Asia Programs and director of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation. “Since China’s entry into the WTO seven years ago, the country has undergone a paradigm shift in its relationship with other countries and in its government’s relationship to Chinese citizens. In hosting this conference, we hope to spark dialogue and scholarly discussion on the global impact of China’s internationalization.”
“China Goes Global” was co-sponsored and organized by Asia Programs, Harvard Kennedy School; the Crummer Graduate School of Business and Rollins China Center, Rollins College; University of Potsdam, Germany; and the Center for International Business Education and Research, Georgia Institute of Technology.