In January 2025, SDC Innovation Management cohort 2024 embarked on a transformative 4-day study trip to Shanghai, immersing themselves in the city's dynamic business ecosystem. More than just an academic excursion, the trip served as a hands-on learning experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world industry insights. Through company visits, expert talks, and collaborative events, students explored sustainability, digital transformation, and cross-border business challenges, reinforcing the IM programme’s commitment to experiential learning and global engagement.
A Deep Dive into Sino-Danish Innovation and Sustainability
The trip kicked off at the Danish Consulate and Innovation Center Denmark (ICDK), where students engaged with industry leaders on sustainable innovation and cross-border collaboration. Executive Director Anders Sloth Nielsen highlighted Denmark’s strategic initiatives, including Shanghai Climate Week and the Strive Project. A keynote by Professor Beijia Huang from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology provided a comprehensive overview of China’s green manufacturing evolution, ESG compliance, and the future of digital sustainability.
Anders Sloth Nielsen shared his reflections on the visit: "Seeing their energy and creativity in action reaffirmed the importance of fostering collaboration between academia and industry to shape the solutions of tomorrow. The engagement and drive from the next generation of innovators truly stood out."
One of the trip’s main highlights was the Gala Pitching Event, where students presented their Semester Project I research. The projects tackled real-world challenges for Danish companies in China, focusing on green transition, circular economy, and sustainability-driven consumer behavior. With an esteemed judging panel consisting of Jane Wu (Executive Director, Venture Cup China), Michael Madsen (VP Finance, Danfoss China), Mads Vesterager Nielsen (Commercial Consul for Water & Environment, Royal Danish Consulate General), and Professor Beijia Huang from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, the event showcased the students’ ability to translate academic knowledge into viable business solutions. Meeja Neergaard from the Royal Danish Consulate General praised the students' work, stating, "I was particularly impressed by the group presentations, especially their innovative perspectives when analyzing their topics related to the circular economy and sustainability strategies of Danish companies in China."
Exploring Innovation at NICE and Sungrow
At NICE (National Innovation Center par Excellence), students gained firsthand insights into China’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem. The center's unique Product Manager Model helps bridge academia and industry by guiding research projects from proof-of-concept to commercialization. Yucheng Hang, Manager at NICE’s Overseas Cooperation Department, remarked, "The students showed a strong interest in NICE's innovative strategies and talent training model, making the activity both dynamic and inspiring. As an important innovation platform in the Yangtze River Delta region, NICE plays a dual bridging role: connecting science with industry and linking global innovation resources with the region's development."
The visit to Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy, provided a deep dive into solar power, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging solutions. Students explored Sungrow’s cutting-edge technology, including modular inverters and liquid-cooled energy storage systems. A Q&A session with R&D Director Wenjie Chen covered supply chain sustainability, international expansion, and collaborations with universities such as Aalborg University in Denmark. "Collaboration with universities both in China and internationally holds significant potential for talent acquisition, technological development partnerships, and aligns with Sungrow's belief that the future of energy lies in renewables," Wenjie Chen commented. "We aim to build a bridge to a sustainable future, inspiring and informing young talents about its promise and potential."
Visit to Fudan University: Insights into Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The group also visited Fudan University, where students engaged with faculty and student entrepreneurs at the Nordic Centre. The discussions focused on entrepreneurial challenges in China and Scandinavia, highlighting different business models, regulatory environments, and cultural adaptations. Veli-Matti Palomäki, Programme Manager at the Nordic Centre, observed, "The interactions with Hi Comedy both broadened the students' horizons with cultural insights and provided them with practical knowledge on what it's like to start a company in China."
The visit provided a deep dive into how universities serve as incubators for new ventures, reinforcing the importance of academic-industry collaboration in fostering innovation. The presentations from Fudan’s entrepreneurial teams resonated strongly with the students, offering valuable lessons on market entry strategies and scaling businesses in a competitive environment. The presentation by Hi Comedy stimulated a vivid exchange and networking between the IM students and young Chinese entrepreneurs.
Exploring Scandinavian Design at Studio9
Students also had the opportunity to visit Studio9, a renowned design studio specializing in Scandinavian-inspired furniture and interior design. The visit highlighted how Danish design principles are being adapted for the Chinese market, emphasizing sustainability, craftsmanship, and user experience. Jane Cheng, Head of Studio9, commented, "Design is a collaborative discipline at its core, and collaborations like this one are crucial. It is important to continuously build communities, develop mutual inspiration, and introduce the vision of Studio9 to curious young minds."
The visit showcased how global aesthetics and local market preferences intersect, giving students a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities of bringing Scandinavian design to an international audience.
Student Perspectives: Reflections on the Study Trip
Students found the study trip to be a transformative experience, offering deep insights into China’s innovation landscape and cross-border business dynamics.
“This study trip in Shanghai has been packed with learnings and joyful moments. I have gotten a much clearer understanding of the unique innovation ecosystem in China through our visit to Innovation Center Denmark, NICE, Fudan University, and both Danish and Chinese companies.” – Mathias Holmsgaard Toft
“This trip was not only about the intertwining of ideas and the sharing of knowledge, but also about teamwork and the warmth of our class.” – Yihang Wei
“I really enjoyed our field trip in Shanghai. It combined all aspects that I expected and enjoy from our program - company and institution collaborations, presenting ideas and projects, and exploring Chinese culture.” – Jakub Lenovsky
The Triple Helix in Action
The study trip exemplified the ‘Triple Helix’ model—where academia, industry, and government intersect to drive innovation. Institutions like ICDK and NICE played pivotal roles in bridging research with industry needs, facilitating hands-on learning for the students. This cross-border collaboration between Denmark and China reinforced the importance of joint efforts in cultivating sustainability leaders.
The Green Innovation initiative shone through, demonstrating how partnerships between Danish and Chinese institutions are shaping the future of sustainable business practices. By engaging with key players in digital transformation and the circular economy, students witnessed firsthand how companies like Sungrow are future-proofing businesses through continuous innovation.
Beyond the classroom, this study trip reinforced the IM programme’s commitment to experiential learning, offering students real-world exposure to international business challenges. It also highlighted the powerful cultural exchange between Denmark and China—whether through Scandinavian design adaptations or entrepreneurial synergies in the Chinese market.
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