China Business Clinics (Tech/Digital Sector)
China is one the fastest growing and most vibrant global markets for emerging digital tech. With 900 million plus internet users, China’s digital economy currently accounts for a third of its annual GDP. China is a leading tech innovator and increasingly deploying digital technologies, such as 5G, artificial intelligence and blockchain, into many different sectors and applications, including smart cities, healthcare, financial services, innovative healthcare, and smart manufacturing.
This rapid growth is creating new opportunities for UK-based tech exporters able to offer something unique. The China market can, however, be a challenging market for start-ups and SMEs to penetrate: regulatory challenges, IP concerns, cybersecurity and data laws, and cultural differences are just some of the issues that make China a complex market to navigate.
Whether you are new to China or an experienced exporter, this 30-minute business clinic is the perfect place to discuss your China plans with an experienced sector specialist from the Department of International Trade and China Business Adviser from CBBC.
This session's advisors will be:
Phillip White, Technology Specialist, Department for International Trade (DIT)
Phillip has spent over two decades as a technology specialist at the DIT and its predecessor organisations, UKTI and DTI. He has worked extensively with international investors and UK-based innovators, working closely with clients in the artificial intelligence, industry 4.0, electronics, sensors, semiconductor and photonics sectors. Phillip also has a deep knowledge of Asia, having worked in sales engineering and production roles with the Japanese robotics firm Hirata and automotive firm Toyota Tsusho. He has participated in multiple technology missions to the Far East, regularly supports inbound investor groups, is fluent in Japanese and studies Mandarin. Phillip has a BA in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics and MBA from the Open University.
Mark Hedley, Director – Knowledge Economy Sector
Mark is CBBC’s Director for the tech/knowledge economy sector, heading up various initiatives to support clients in the technology, innovation and healthcare industries. Mark has spent over two decades living in an travelling to mainland China, working in a number strategic consulting roles helping Western technology firms to enter the China market. He has significant experience carrying out complex market entry and business development projects on behalf of B2B clients, and has worked with a range of multinational and SME clients across different industry verticals. A fluent Mandarin speaker, Mark holds a Masters in Chinese Business from Sheffield University and MBA from Lancaster University.