Beyond the classroom: Students explore Shanghai’s business landscape
Company visits, expert talks, and collaborative events were on the agenda when 25 students from the Innovation Management programme embarked on a four-day study trip to Shanghai. More than just an academic excursion, the trip served as a hands-on learning experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world industry insights.
A deep dive into Sino-Danish innovation and sustainability
The trip kicked off at the Danish Consulate and Innovation Centre Denmark, 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.
One of the trip’s main highlights was the Gala Pitching Event, where students presented their semester projects, tackling real-world challenges for Danish companies in China. The focus was on the green transition, circular economy, and sustainability-driven consumer behavior. With a judging panel consisting of representatives from Venture Cup China, Danfoss China, the Royal Danish Consulate General, and 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 said:
"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 and entrepreneurship in Chinese private and public organisations
The students gained firsthand insights into China’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem during their visit to the National Innovation Center par Excellence (NICE). The company Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy, provided a deep dive into solar power, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging solutions. By engaging with key players in digital transformation and the circular economy, students witnessed firsthand how companies are future-proofing businesses through continuous innovation. A Q&A session with Sungrow R&D Director Wenjie Chen covered supply chain sustainability, international expansion, and collaborations with universities such as Aalborg University in Denmark.
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.
“This study trip to 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 visits to Innovation Centre Denmark, NICE, Fudan University, and both Danish and Chinese companies,” says student Mathias Holmsgaard Toft.
Insights into Scandinavian Design in China
Students also had the opportunity to visit Studio9, a renowned design studio behind such brands as HAY, &Tradition and Verpan, specializing in Scandinavian-inspired furniture and interior design. The visit highlighted how Danish design principles are being adapted for the Chinese market, emphasizing collaborative approaches, sustainability, craftsmanship, and user experience.
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.
Ultimately, the Shanghai study trip was more than an educational journey. It was a glimpse into the future of global innovation.
Danish Head of the Innovation Management Programme Dmitrij Slepniov sees the study trip as reinforcing the Innovation Management programme’s commitment to experiential learning and global engagement.
"Both my Chinese counterpart, Professor Xiumei Zhu, and I are ecstatic about the success of this activity, and we are determined to keep it as an integral part of the programme. It truly embodies the essence of problem-based learning, bridging theory with practice, offering students a reality check on their education, and preparing them to tackle real-world challenges with confidence. Notwithstanding all the time and resources that go into making it a reality, we are committed to its continuation. Through this experience, we not only validate the relevance of our education but also cultivate the next generation of industry-ready problem solvers," he says.