Blogpost #5 – Final IC 25 Blog Post – Review of this years edition
INSIGHT CHINA 2025: Bridging the Divide? Switzerland, China, and High Tech
Michael Jeive, Marko Jurcevic, Noreen Wieland
In today’s global discourse, China is often framed through the lens of decoupling, de-risking, Dual Circulation, and techno-nationalist policies. But what insights emerge when we speak directly with companies on the ground? Insight China 2025 set out to answer that question through direct engagement with Swiss, German, and Chinese firms, aiming to understand how business is navigating an increasingly complex global environment. The programme bridges theory and practice, equipping the next generation of professionals to address global challenges using data, case studies, and structured analysis.
Throughout the trip, one theme emerged repeatedly: the growing difficulty of competing in China’s fast-evolving market. Today, China leads in advanced manufacturing. Significant capital investment and responses to demographic challenges have given rise to a new generation of smart, “black light” factories. These ultra-modern, highly automated production facilities allow Chinese firms to produce high-quality goods at competitive prices—posing a direct challenge to the perceived technological superiority of European manufacturers. While China continues to host low-cost production, its advanced sites now rival the best in the world. For many European firms, China has become the benchmark for excellence.
Now in its twenty-third year, Insight China focused on China’s technological rise and its implications for Swiss firms. The Third Plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee outlined sweeping reforms aimed at accelerating innovation in areas such as next-generation IT, AI, aerospace, quantum computing, biomedicine, and high-end equipment. China is also aligning technological progress with green development, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
From renewable energy and new energy vehicles to high-speed trains, gene technologies, and space innovation, China is positioning itself as a global tech powerhouse. In parallel, competition with the United States is intensifying. For Swiss companies, staying informed and responsive to these changes is critical for maintaining global competitiveness.
Building Foundations – A Seminar in Switzerland
The programme began in Switzerland with a seminar combining academic and industry input. Lecturers from the FHNW School of Business, including Prof. Michael Jeive and Dr. Yingbo Seiler-Zhang, were joined by alumni such as Oliver Berghofer (now at Schüco in Shanghai), and representatives from Siemens, Bosshard, and Huawei. Company visits included Syngenta and Bertschi AG, and a discussion with Fiona Gao from Chinsiders provided perspectives on innovation and global expansion.
Bertschi AG highlighted innovation in global chemicals logistics. In 2023, Bertschi inaugurated its Zhangjiagang Liquids Chemical Hub in the Yangtze River Delta, marking a significant milestone in Bertschi’s expansion in China. The company highlighted how digital infrastructure supports operational efficiency and transparency across its international network.
At Syngenta, the focus centred on sustainable agriculture, supported by innovation in seed technology and crop protection. During a facility tour, the company’s research and development activities were outlined, showcasing the role of data and science in driving agricultural progress. Syngenta’s mission focusses on achieving long-term food security and climate resilience goals. Syngenta Group China is establishing a new crop protection innovation centre in Shanghai, focusing on research in novel chemicals, biologicals, soil health, and sustainable chemistry, particularly for rice innovation.
In addition to the dedicated company visits, online workshops and discussions highlighted further cases of our partner’s investment in China or technology cooperation. Blaser Swisslube, a Swiss expert in metalworking fluids, has reinforced its commitment to the Chinese market by opening a dedicated laboratory in Shanghai. Ypsomed, a leading developer of self-injection devices, has been supplying products to China for over 15 years and is establishing its first production facility in Changzhou in addition to its facilities in Switzerland, Germany and soon the USA. Bossard China has been acknowledged for its innovative fastening solutions, receiving the “Best Lightweight Solutions Innovation Award” at the 8th China International New Energy Vehicle Forum in 2018.
Phase Two: Innovation, Expansion, and Collaboration in China
Following the Swiss seminar, the delegation travelled to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. They engaged with international and Chinese companies and received briefings from diplomatic and governmental offices.
Understanding the context
Visits to the Swiss Embassy in Beijing, swissnex shanghai, SIM Consulting and InterChina Consulting provided essential context.
Ambassador Jörg Burri and and the Heads of the Political and Economic Sections as well as representatives of the Science and Technology Office offered a comprehensive overview of Sino-Swiss relations. swissnex highlighted China’s thriving research and entrepreneurship ecosystem and its appetite for international scientific collaboration.
At SIM Consulting, Michael Lehmann shared over two decades of experience in advising European firms on China market entry, regulatory compliance, and localisation. Franc Kaiser, FHNW alumnus and partner at InterChina Consulting, provided strategic insights into market positioning and sectoral developments in China.
Field Visits to European Manufacturers in China
Endress+Hauser – Global Integration of Measurement Technology
E+H has significantly expanded its presence in China, particularly in Suzhou, where it operates multiple production facilities manufacturing a range of process automation instruments including flowmeters, temperature sensors, and analytical devices, catering to various industries such as chemical, food & beverage, and water treatment. In 2025, E+H strengthened its global supply chain by opening a new logistics centre in Suzhou, enhancing delivery efficiency and customer service in the region.
Our visit to its Flowtec production site in Suzhou took place at the same time as a global meeting of facility heads from Switzerland, China, the USA, Brazil and India amongst others, Endress+Hauser demonstrated the integration of its global operations. Emphasis was placed on quality control, technical excellence, and the alignment of international standards. The company’s ability to deliver consistent products and services across borders is central to its ability to withstand the increasing competitive pressure from local competitors.
ABB – Smart Automation at Scale
ABB Robotics entered China in 1994 and the R&D centre opened in Shanghai in 2005. ABB is the first multinational robot supplier in China to localize its full value chain, from R&D, manufacturing, sales, engineering and system integration to service. In December 2022, ABB inaugurated its new state-of-the-art robotics mega factory in the Kangqiao district of Shanghai. This facility, encompassing 67,000 square meters and representing a $150 million investment, serves as ABB’s largest and most advanced robotics R&D, manufacturing, and application centre worldwide focussing on innovations in artificial intelligence, digitalization, and software, such as autonomous mobility, digital twin technology, machine vision, and low-code programming software. The research centre aims to ensure ABB’s continuing leadership in the sector in the face of stiff competition from Japanese competitors as well as Chinese-owned challengers.
Siemens BSCE Beijing
Beijing Siemens Cerberus Electronics Ltd. (BSCE) serves as a key global Centre of Competence, focusing on research and manufacturing of Building Technologies, including fire safety and HVAC products. BSCE is committed to providing comprehensive building products and systems, developing and manufacturing over 1,200 products for customers in more than 60 countries. Siemens’ operations in Beijing highlighted its digital learning initiatives and a strong emphasis on employee-driven innovation. As part of its global strategy, Siemens integrates advanced technologies in smart infrastructure. The production site in Beijing reflects Siemens’ commitment to maintaining high-quality manufacturing standards, while also promoting a culture of continuous improvement and cross-border knowledge sharing.
Lufthansa – Sustainable Aviation and Innovation Dialogue
Our visit to Lufthansa centred on current efforts in sustainable aviation, particularly in light of climate goals and regulatory changes. The airline shared insights into its technological investments, alternative fuels, and customer engagement around green travel. Student-led presentations were also included in the programme to discuss future-focused sustainability topics, highlighting aviation’s attempts to balance mobility with environmental responsibility. Lufthansa has expanded its digitization efforts in China by establishing an Innovation Hub in Shenzhen. This initiative aims to integrate with China’s dynamic tech ecosystem and foster collaborations with major tech players.
Insights into Chinese Technology Leaders
In addition to visiting leading Swiss and European players, Insight China was also able to arrange talks with major Chinese tech innovators including Huawei, Nio and Edan. These visits further emphasised the dramatic technological developments Chinese technology leaders are taking across a range of industries. When the findings of these visits are combined with our exiting knowledge of companies such as Tencent and Alibaba Group in fields including artificial intelligence, payments, logistics and retail; BYD, CATL and more in batteries, NEVS, and the entire new energy vehicle value chain, we see a hugely dynamic innovation landscape developing genuine global contenders. More than that in each case we found that the companies faced real regulatory and policy pressures to consider environmental and societal issues in their strategic planning.
Huawei – Transforming Industries through Technology
Huawei’s innovation portfolio spans cloud computing, 5G infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. The visit highlighted the company’s R&D efforts in next-generation connectivity and its growing involvement in automotive systems—providing software and hardware solutions to enhance in-car intelligence. The tour began at its HQ in Shenzhen and proceeded included a stop at a flagship Huawei store, where visitors explored consumer products and smart vehicles powered by Huawei technology. The company’s focus on ecosystem integration reflects its ambition to remain a global tech leader.
NIO – Redefining the Future of Mobility
NIO’s focus on smart electric vehicles (EVs) places it at the forefront of mobility innovation in China. The visit provided a comprehensive overview of NIO’s technology, customer ecosystem, and battery-swapping infrastructure. A live demonstration of their vehicles, including test drives, emphasized the brand’s attention to user experience, performance, and design. NIO’s long-term vision encompasses autonomous driving and seamless digital integration.
EDAN Instruments – Medical Technology with Global Reach
EDAN Instruments focuses on developing scalable diagnostic and patient monitoring solutions. Their products are deployed in hospitals and clinics across more than 170 countries. The visit highlighted EDAN’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility through smart devices and digital monitoring tools. With a strong focus on innovation and international expansion, EDAN contributes to global healthcare transformation through cost-effective and reliable medical technologies.
Conclusion
A recurring question throughout the study tour was how competition between ambitious, innovative firms will shape the future. In a world facing shared challenges like climate change, pandemics, and aging populations, will global companies find common ground, or will fragmentation prevail?
Insight China 2025 offered a rare opportunity to explore these issues firsthand. From agriculture to AI, and from automation to education, the programme deepened students’ understanding of international business and cultural exchange. More than a bridge between Switzerland and China, it was a bridge between theory and practice—preparing tomorrow’s professionals to meet global challenges with curiosity, adaptability, and purpose.
Insight China
The Insight China project at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland is entering its 23rd year. This prestigious project consists of three phases: a seminar in Switzerland, a seminar in China and a major closing event. The project aims to provide a delegation of ambitious students with an in-depth insight into cultural and economic issues in China. It also aims to promote exchanges between students and experts from Swiss and Chinese companies.
Partners and Sponsors 2025
Partners
In-Kind Partners
Video
From the very first steps back in July 2024 to the final moments in May 2025, this adventure has been filled with growth, discovery, and unforgettable memories.
Instead of trying to describe it all in more words, we invite you to experience it with us. Enjoy the video of the journey of Insight China 2025: Video Recap 2025
– Your Insight China 2024/25 Team –
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