The "smile curve" that in economics depicts value added to a product at each part of its manufacturing process has moved from a U-shaped one in the past to a relatively flat one now, meaning value is evenly spread out along the chain.

To realize future intelligent manufacturing, of roughly equal importance are the high-value added upstream of research and development, the midstream portion of highly automated production lines, and the downstream of marketing and after-sales services on the supply chain.

Zheng Weihe

Chairman of Cowin Capital

Intelligent manufacturing is a critical and promising investment area for both the broader domestic and global economy. In 2010, China's auto company, Geely, brought in a Swedish manufacturer of trucks, Volvo, and in 2016, the country's home appliance manufacturer, Midea Group, bought German robot maker Kuka AG. These two exemplary cases send a signal to investors: Investment in manufacturing automation is booming.

Chen Jie

Co-founder of ChinaVenture

China is doing its utmost to catch up with Germany and the United States, as the country has seen increasingly stronger industrial capabilities and smart manufacturing, as well as technological innovation, since Made in China 2025 was first unveiled in the 2015 Government Work Report.

Starting after Germany's Industrial 4.0 plan in 2011 and the US' industrial internet plan in 2012, China has the ability to make further advances, as a rising star against an ever-progressing backdrop of artificial intelligence.

Zhao Sheng

Co-founder of Silicon Valley Makers Technologies

As one of the top-notch business schools in China, CKGSB shoulders responsibility for fostering more and more entrepreneurs. China has already recognized the value in bringing tech entrepreneurs into schools to inspire the new generation, particularly those who want to be equipped with specialized skills for intelligent manufacturing.

Xiang Bing

Founding dean and professor of China Business and Globalization at CKGSB