Top 20 winners for 2009 most globally competitive Chinese Companies unveiled

On Oct 24, representatives of the top 20 winners for the 2009 Most Globally Competitive Chinese Companies received the awards from Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and its media partner Global Entrepreneur Journal in a grand awarding ceremony in Beijing.

Huawei Technologies, Lenovo Group, Haier Group and other leading Chinese companies were recognized for their globalization efforts and achievements despite the turbulent times. The special prize of "Best in Europe" was awarded to ChemChina Group and "Best in Emerging Markets" to Gree Electric Appliances, leaving none for "Best in US".

Charles-Edouard Bouée and Jason Ding, Partners from China office, co-hosted this ceremony with Yang Fu, GE's chief-editor. In his opening speech, Charles-Edouard congratulated to the new winners and offered this three golden rules for Chinese companies with regards to their global expansion strategies:

1) Think twice before going global and take time to formulate your globalization strategy;
2) Once the decision is made, take quick action and do not hesitate;
3) Always focus on building a strong foothold in your home market.

Jason discussed several the key issues for Chinese companies to be successful in globalization with company representatives and jury members in a roundtable discussion at the ceremony. Jason said, "Chinese companies should strengthen themselves at two levels: First, acquire deep understanding of international markets in terms of business environment, clients, branding and channel; Second, enhance capabilities to consolidate resources on a global basis for cross-border production and operations."

It is the fourth competition since Roland Berger and Global Entrepreneur initiated it in 2006 to recognize Chinese's companies' globalization strategies. This year we focus on how Chinese companies fight against the global economic turbulence and gear up for international competition through self-adjustment and innovation. 27 judges from academia, media and business selected the winners based on three dimensions and eight criteria this year, which marks the largest jury panel since its inception.

New Chinese book "Innovating at the Top" launched at the ceremony

The Chinese version of "Innovating at the Top" was also launched at the ceremony as innovation has been identified as a key driver for Chinese companies to transform and grow stronger in the post-crisis era. The book is presented to every representative of the top 20 winners and judges as special gift. The book has distilled 10 key innovation drivers from interviews of the world's leading innovation leaders. The Chinese book, available on shelf since Oct, has a special chapter responding to the situation in China.

A forum "Innovation - Let the wisdom shine" was organized in parallel with the GCC awarding ceremony. Charles-Edouard and other experts including the Director of EMBA program form Remin University, the Founder of China Renaissance Capital Investment, had an exciting brainstorming discussion on issues regarding Chinese companies' innovation culture, organization management, stimulation and obstacles, etc. The new RB book was specially introduced by the moderator and Charles-Edouard to the audience.

"The best innovation culture for Chinese companies will be one that integrates the Chinese culture with the western management ideas", said Charles-Edouard. He is confident that someday "made in China" will be soon replaced by "innovated in China", if companies follow some essential success factors.