China as a Future Lab – Insights from the LIMAK MBA Study Trip

Shanghai and Shenzhen as immersive learning environments for global leadership and innovation
As part of the Executive MBA program at LIMAK Austrian Business School, our students had the privilege to spend an intense and inspiring week in China – visiting two of its most dynamic and forward-looking cities: Shanghai and Shenzhen. Both urban centers stand as symbols of economic transformation, technological ambition, and global relevance.
A Deep Dive into the World's Fastest-Moving Innovation Ecosystem
Designed as a strategic learning experience, the one-week program provided our participants with direct access to some of the most dynamic forces shaping the global economy. Through company visits, expert-led seminars, and cross-cultural reflection, the journey brought global megatrends to life and opened up new perspectives on leadership, innovation, and transformation.
Highlights from the Field
Our participants engaged with cutting-edge companies and gained rare insights into business models that are reshaping entire industries:
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NIO & BYD – Leaders in the electric mobility space, showcasing live battery-swapping systems and customer-centric branding strategies.
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Inceptio Technology – Autonomous driving in logistics, already operational at scale across China.
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KEBA Group – An inspiring example of how Austrian technology competes and thrives in the Chinese market.
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BGI Genomics, UBTECH Robotics, JOVE, Huayan Robotics – From genetic research to collaborative and humanoid robotics, these companies represent the speed and scale of China’s innovation landscape.
Academic Framing & Global Leadership Context
The program was enriched by academic inputs from Prof. Zheng Han (Tongji University) and Dr. Jan Harder, covering topics such as:
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China’s innovation strategies and ecosystem dynamics
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Multinational company positioning in China
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Robotics, AI, and their role in the future of work and society
A dedicated Reflection Day enabled participants to synthesize insights and explore the cultural and strategic contrasts between Chinese and European leadership approaches – a key component in developing global leadership agility.
What Executives Took Away
Throughout the journey, several recurring insights emerged:
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Innovation in China is not just fast – it is systemic, user-driven, and boldly executed.
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Understanding local culture is essential for strategic leadership in global markets.
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True transformation requires stepping beyond one’s comfort zone.
These are lessons that will not only shape future business decisions but also strengthen the leadership capacity of every participant in their respective industries.
A Word of Thanks
We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Zheng Han for his insightful lectures and support throughout the week. Special thanks also go to Florentina Schallmeiner, who ensured seamless organization and execution of this complex international program. We are proud to have supported our participants in this valuable journey, and we thank all partner companies and institutions for their openness and engagement.
At LIMAK, we don’t just talk about global leadership – we design learning experiences that make it tangible. This trip to China was one of those defining moments.