Overnight the maverick electric car company became an evangelist of the Open Source philosophy. Why is releasing Tesla’s patents such a big deal? In the traditional business playbook, one way companies win is to create something useful, patent it, and then make money on their exclusive right to use that intellectual property (IP). Most companies still operate this way […]
China Roundup: Metal-financing Scandal Deepens; FTZ Interest Rate Uncapped; And Fosun’s stake in US Film Studio
The week that was: metal-financing fraud puts small traders in risks; forex interest rate liberation expands in Shanghai; Xunlei files for IPO; and Fosun buys into US film studio. China’s metal-financing scandal: ramifications Missing stockpiles of metals used as collateral to secure bank loans at China’s third largest port has caused domestic and international lenders to […]
Music in China: The Beat Goes Online
The rise of indie music in China, and how China’s musical talent navigates piracy and red tape. It’s around 11:00pm on Friday night at Yuyintang, one of Shanghai’s main live music scenes, and an appreciative crowd of a few dozen Chinese and foreigners cheer as Duck Fight Goose finishes its last act, a compelling blend […]
China Roundup: China’s Slowing Economy; Tencent’s Profits Up; and Facebook’s China Office
The week that was: China’s slowing economy; Tencent profit rises on growth in online games; Alibaba battles fakes; and Facebook will finally dip its toes in Chinese waters with a Beijing office (but won’t scale the Great Fire Wall). A slower Chinese economy? Get used to it Last week’s surprisingly solid trade numbers (exports and […]
CKGSB Magazine March 2014: The Digital Takeover – Internet Finance versus Traditional Banks
You are invited to download the March 2014 issue of CKGSB Magazine. You’ll enjoy articles and interviews like: COVER STORY The Money Matrix: As Chinese consumers show an increasing preference for easy-to-use internet finance, what will happen to traditional banks? SNAPSHOT: China’s Crushing Debt: How serious is China’s local debt problem? A look at the ticking time bomb. […]
Counterfeiting: Good or Bad?
Is counterfeiting always bad? China is undoubtedly the world’s biggest market for counterfeit products. From fake Louis Vuitton bags, to Prada purses, Adidas sweatpants, Nike sneakers and Rolex watches—you can buy them all for a song in huge multistoried markets across China’s cities. How does the prevalence of counterfeits impact brand owners? Should the likes […]
Stuck in First Gear: Chinese Car Manufacturers Struggle to Compete with foreign brands
Can foreign car makers in China continue to dominate the market while appeasing Chinese car companies? CCTV, Chinaʼs powerful state-run television broadcaster, unleashed a torrent of faulty vehicle claims against foreign automakers in March. First, the network targeted Volkswagen, alleging transmission issues with some of its cars, which led to the recall of more than […]
Giving Credit Where it is Due: A Key Innovation Incentive
John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote almost 180 songs together between 1962 and 1969, most of them recorded by the Beatles. One of them, ‘Yesterday’, has been recorded by more artists than any other song according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Imagine if Lennon was given full credit for all of those songs […]
Digital Marketing and China’s Expanding Internet: Innovation, Copycats and Creativity in China’s Tech Industry
In January 2013, China’s internet user base reached 564 million users. China’s smartphone users have also surpassed the 300 million mark, signaling a tectonic shift towards mobile internet usage. Despite strict censorship controls on internet content in China, social media has caught on with unprecedented momentum. Established Twitter-like platforms such as Sina Weibo and Tencent […]
Digital Marketing and China’s Expanding Internet: Location-Based Services and the Mobile Internet
In January 2013, China’s internet user base reached 564 million users. China’s smartphone users have also surpassed the 300 million mark, signaling a tectonic shift towards mobile internet usage. Despite strict censorship controls on internet content in China, social media has caught on with unprecedented momentum. Established Twitter-like platforms such as Sina Weibo and Tencent […]
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