中欧国际工商学院与青蛙设计联合举办2010“创意中国”国际MBA挑战赛 INNOVATEChina 2010 by CEIBS in Partnership with frog design

Singapore Nanyang Technoloical University, Nanyang Business School is the winner of the INNOVATEChina 2010 Preliminary Round Award for its biodiesel motorbike proposal. INNOVATEChina is a competition and platform created by CEIBS for top business minds to interact and create innovative solutions to business problems with a China focus. The insights and involvement in China’s emerging markets have made frog design a perfect innovation partner.

Business schools from all over the world were invited to hand in presentations about their innovative ideas for China after which the best 7 teams were selected for the Grand Final. Among the seven Finalists INNOVATEChina — together with frog design — awarded the most innovative idea on June 20, 2010 in the Belgian EU Pavillon at the Expo in Shanghai (Preliminary Round Award). frog strategy director in Shanghai office, Ravi Chhatpar, was invited to be the judge for this award.

First, Ravi extended his appreciation to the 7 final teams for their efforts and insights. He spoke very highly of the issues they chose to address, 5 out 7 offering solutions in sustainability, a priority now in China given its size and growth. The competitors came up with very compelling ideas like green luxury brands and wind-powered appliances, all imaginative while practical.

Ravi also gave his opinions about innovation by presenting three case studies. What is a good, innovative solution? Ravi proposed it must be disruptive, feasible, and viable. He described the transformation of the old typewriter as an example to explain the difference between evolution and revolution; the former improves efficiency, like the modified keyboard, while the latter fundamentally changes behaviors, like font balls. Creating new behaviors will not be as tough if it is based on existing behaviors. Moreover, we need to keep in mind that a good idea doesn’t guarantee a good result if it does not consider business and technological constraints. We have to deal with manufacturing and deployment issues when bringing new ideas to the market. Finally, speaking of viability, Ravi discussed the controversial shanzhai phenomenon in China, using the “Shanzhai iPad” as an example. Shanzhai’s huge success in China, due to its short time-to-market, strong local distribution network, low cost, and localization to consumer needs suggest how novel competitive response in China can make viability challenging.

The biodiesel motorbike project from Singapore Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Business School has proved its value by addressing these three elements of innovation. Chongqing is set as the launch city of the project due to its unique mountainous terrain and existing motorbike culture. It cleverly leverages existing motorbike usage, and the local focus provides a greater opportunity for success. The team’s research has shown the concept to be feasible,  and the biodiesel motorbike can have sustainable competitive edge with frequent design updates. The winners Han Wei Koh, Jason Ho Fan Lee and Lin Nan (team of the Singapore Nanyang Techonological University) will be awarded a copy of Innovation X, by Adam Richardson.

www.innovate-china.org