Innovation &amp; Technology

Cao, Xinyu, Wang, Jimbo Jingbo • Cao, Xinyu • Wang, Jimbo Jingbo • 05 March 2026 • 6 mins read

Amid the crowd of millions of content creators, digital platforms need to pick a few to support and promote, and the traditional selection process is not sophisticated enough Featured faculty: Cao Xinyu and Wang Jingbo Written by Putro Harnowo Many may call it cliché or cheesy when watching a short movie about a bullied employee who […]

Can blockchain solve supply chain disputes?

Innovation & Technology Outlook

Ko, Chiu-yu • Ko, Chiu-yu • 26 February 2026 • 6 mins read

A small glitch can create ripples like a domino effect in the supply chain, but smart contracts offer a quick and fair way to share responsibilities Featured faculty: Ko Chiu-yu Written by Putro Harnowo The fuss and feathers around bitcoin and cryptocurrency sometimes obscure the basic technology behind them. Indeed, blockchain, as the fundamental technology, […]

China Business Knowledge’s 5 tech waves to watch in 2026

Choi, Sungwoo, Kim, Keongtae, Cisternas Vera, Francisco, Zhang, Philip Renyu, Zhang, Michael Xiaoquan • Choi, Sungwoo • Cisternas Vera, Francisco • Kim, Keongtae • Zhang, Michael Xiaoquan • Zhang, Philip Renyu • 29 January 2026 • 8 mins read

Technology continues to reshape modern businesses, a trend set to accelerate as companies embrace AI Featured faculty: Choi Sungwoo, Kim Keongtae, Francisco Cisternas, Philip Zhang, Michael Zhang Written by Pan Jingyi Technology has been playing a pivotal role in shaping the business landscape in 2025. The world’s first law to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) by […]

As counterfeits persist, can brands win the game?

Corporate Governance Innovation & Technology

Zhu, Kaijie • Zhu, Kaijie • 22 January 2026 • 5 mins read

The ever-increasing protective measures by the brands and harsher penalties by authorities can sometimes stimulate more fakes entering the markets Featured faculty: Zhu Kaijie Written by Joanne Madrid While innovation, craftsmanship and creativity have been praised as the force of modern industry, an intangible enemy is quietly lurking in the shadows. Counterfeits have aggressively spread across […]

Can AI and regionalisation restructure global trade?

Wu, Jing • Wu, Jing • 11 December 2025 • 4 mins read

As tariffs rise and alliances shift in a fractured geopolitical landscape, technology may help in redrawing the trade map Featured faculty: Wu Jing Written by Putro Harnowo The meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump in late October brought a cooling breeze over the simmering trade tensions between the global superpowers. […]

The hidden bias of restaurant reviews

Zhang, Michael Xiaoquan • Zhang, Michael Xiaoquan • 13 November 2025 • 6 mins read

Time to doubt the stars. Tourists are swayed more by vibes than value when rating restaurants Featured faculty: Michael Zhang Written by Putro Harnowo Hungry while travelling, but couldn’t decide which restaurant to go to? No worries. Just grab your phone and check the ratings for nearby restaurants. These user-generated reviews appear to be more trustworthy […]

Tech rivalry erodes your privacy

Yao, Jesse Yunfei • Yao, Jesse Yunfei • 06 November 2025 • 5 mins read

A new study reveals how reputation, competition, and regulation shape the way businesses treat your personal data Featured faculty: Jesse Yao Written by Sally Ho It’s fair to say that no one has been spared from the universal nuisance of scam calls and messages. Bad actors often find the targets from data brokers that collect […]

Do stock buybacks stifle innovation?

Tseng, Kevin Chun-kai • Tseng, Kevin Chun-kai • 23 October 2025 • 5 mins read

Pressure creates diamonds. Some companies have embraced this mindset to spark inventions Featured faculty: Kevin Tseng Written by Putro Harnowo Public companies around the world are increasingly buying back their own stock. American firms are expected to set a record of US$1.1 trillion in share repurchases this year, led by Apple and Nvidia, while Asian […]

How assistive robots can boost an inclusive workforce

Choi, Sungwoo • Choi, Sungwoo • 16 October 2025 • 6 mins read

Technology can empower individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workplace across industries, including hospitality, in which personal interaction is key to success Featured faculty: Choi Sungwoo Written by Pan Jingyi It’s no longer shocking to see robots working in restaurants and hotels. To create more inclusive opportunities, some businesses employ people with disabilities to […]

While AI whispers, content creators make magic

Zhang, Philip Renyu • Zhang, Philip Renyu • 04 September 2025 • 7 mins read

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) can improve content consumption by filling missing metadata, but a study finds it can’t beat humans, for now Featured faculty: Philip Zhang Renyu Written by Putro Harnowo Social media has become more than just a means to connect, but also a way to build communities and markets beyond borders. When TikTok […]

A smart way to predict online buyers’ next purchase

Cisternas Vera, Francisco • Cisternas Vera, Francisco • 14 August 2025 • 5 mins read

A new study proposes a new budget-conscious model for more accurate basket recommendations in online retail Featured faculty: Francisco Cisternas Written by Sally Ho When it comes to e-commerce, China stands unmatched. As the country’s online retailers like Alibaba, JD.com, and Pinduoduo compete both domestically and overseas, the key to winning market share may lie […]

The irresistible rise of financial data scientists

Cen, Ling, Jo, Chanik • Cen, Ling • Jo, Chanik • 07 August 2025 • 6 mins read

Big data has changed the landscape of capital markets, with an increasing need for financial analysts Featured faculty: Cen Ling and Jo Chanik Written by Putro Harnowo “Data is the new oil,” according to British mathematician Clive Humby in 2006. Many have rushed to get their hands on data since then, and none are more eager […]

How much info is too much to get the right match?

Zhang, Michael Xiaoquan • Zhang, Michael Xiaoquan • 24 July 2025 • 6 mins read

An optimal amount of information is key to successful matching, whether in dating, hiring, or other quests Featured faculty: Michael Zhang Written by Putro Harnowo There is an app for anything nowadays. Digital platforms have made it easier to shop, work, find jobs, travel, and even date by bridging the two sides in need at […]

Beyond cargo, supply chain also transfers AI

Cen, Ling, Wu, Jing • Cen, Ling • Wu, Jing • 26 June 2025 • 6 mins read

Machine learning has enhanced quality management and cost efficiency across the global supply chain, but how did it spread? Featured faculty: Cen Ling and Wu Jing Written by Pan Jingyi In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key tool for companies, helping with everything from demand forecasting and procurement to streamlining and optimising […]

Enhancing consumer trust in sponsored ads

Wang, Weiquan • Wang, Weiquan • 03 April 2025 • 6 mins read

Advertising on e-commerce is not an easy feat, especially when users grow sceptical. Leveraging ratings and reviews may help, to some extent Featured faculty: Wang Weiquan Written by Putro Harnowo The global e-commerce market has expanded remarkably and is estimated to reach US$8.09 trillion by 2028, according to Canadian multinational e-commerce company Shopify. In this […]

How mental shortcuts guide loan success and repayment

Zhang, Michael Xiaoquan • Zhang, Michael Xiaoquan • 13 March 2025 • 6 mins read

Using no-brainer approaches is normal in daily routines, but adding a little bit of thought could go a long way in personal finance Featured faculty: Michael Zhang Written by Putro Harnowo A good decision requires critical thinking and time but many of us don’t have enough privilege or patience to ponder sometimes. To illustrate, if […]

Is remote auditing the future of financial oversight?

Innovation & Technology Marketing

Wu, Donghui, Xin, Xiangang • Wu, Donghui • Xin, Xiangang • 13 February 2025 • 5 mins read

The new normal prompts a shift to virtual working arrangements and a new study finds that remote auditing may become a lasting trend Featured faculty: Wu Donghui, Xin Xiangang Written by Aaron Woolner The pandemic has changed the world for the better or worse. While the borders have been opened and lockdowns have lifted, the […]

Small video content creators may be mightier than they look

Zhang, Philip Renyu • Zhang, Philip Renyu • 06 February 2025 • 6 mins read

Online video platforms often favour star creators to highlight, but a new CUHK study shows boosting small creators is essential for diversity and keeping loyal viewers Featured faculty: Philip Zhang Renyu Written by Putro Harnowo If you ask teenagers nowadays what they want to be growing up, don’t be surprised if many of them answer: […]

Disrupting industry with business model strategies

Entrepreneurship Innovation & Technology

Chan, Dominic Chi-bong • Chan, Dominic Chi-bong • 23 January 2025 • 6 mins read

While technology has reshaped civilisation, credit to non-tech often goes unnoticed. A CUHK expert provides perspective on these overlooked aspects Featured faculty: Dominic Chan Written by Putro Harnowo Technology has become the buzzword of the century, and the buzz is getting louder nowadays with major media propagating blockchain, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. The advancement […]

Critical paths to sustain blockchain growth

Zhang, Michael Xiaoquan, Li, Tim Tianyi • Zhang, Michael Xiaoquan • Li, Tim Tianyi • 19 December 2024 • 6 mins read

A new CUHK study examines how blockchain platforms evolve and how the market shapes their growth and stability, offering answers to the hype cycles By Ellis Ng Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative force in the digital economy, with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum becoming household names. The past few years have also seen […]

How robot servers tempt unhealthy diets

Choi, Sungwoo • Choi, Sungwoo • 05 December 2024 • 6 mins read

Substituting humans in the service industry could backfire without adequate reasoning, a new study finds By Putro Harnowo, Senior Content Manager, China Business Knowledge @ CUHK Automation is the backbone of modern industry. It streamlines processes, enhances efficiency, drives innovation, and even starts preparing and serving food for humans. International restaurants have deployed robot chefs, […]

What should multinationals do to win the digital race?

Li, Sissi Jingyu • Li, Sissi Jingyu • 30 October 2024 • 6 mins read

Digital platforms are complex and costly ventures for companies. New research highlights strategies to optimise their efficiency in boosting international sales By Pan Jingyi, Principal Writer, China Business Knowledge @ CUHK As part of the world’s second-largest economy, Chinese enterprises have become increasingly important in global business and are actively expanding their digital outreach. According […]

Sustainable ways to grow cash-burning marketplaces

Zhou, Sean Xiang, Zhang, Philip Renyu, Chen, Kevin Hongfan • Zhou, Sean Xiang • Zhang, Philip Renyu • Chen, Kevin Hongfan • 09 October 2024 • 5 mins read

Consumer-to-consumer platforms can overcome significant cash burns and achieve long-term growth by leveraging scarcity, a new study finds By Aaron Woolner Amazon’s three-decade journey from a Seattle garage to a US$1.8 trillion market cap demonstrates the almost limitless potential of two-sided marketplaces in the internet age. It’s a simple concept; match buyers and sellers using […]

Why you should and shouldn’t be afraid of AI

Chan, Dominic Chi-bong • Chan, Dominic Chi-bong • 25 July 2024 • 6 mins read

Emerging technologies like AI are profoundly transforming the economic system and social structure, posing unprecedented challenges. A CUHK expert offers insights on navigating these complexities By Pan Jingyi, Principal Writer, China Business Knowledge @ CUHK Following the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, artificial intelligence (AI) has supercharged the possibility to revolutionise the modern industry, […]

A deep look into burgeoning blockchain audit

Brendel, Janja • Brendel, Janja • 27 June 2024 • 6 mins read

A new study explores the emerging trend of smart contract audits and shows that in the realm of assurance, decentralised finance is proving its worth By Pete Sabine Decentralised finance, or DeFi, emerged more than a decade ago alongside the rapid growth of cryptocurrencies as alternative investments. With no central authority, DeFi disrupts traditional financial […]

AI vs. humans: Who wins in handling service rejections?

Innovation & Technology Leadership

Shen, Hao • Shen, Hao • 20 June 2024 • 5 mins read

New research shows chatbots can help reduce negative reviews in certain cases, despite the general preference for human agents By Pan Jingyi, Principal Writer, China Business Knowledge @ CUHK There will come a time when personal interaction in handling customer services becomes obsolete. And that time might be sooner than we thought. Companies have increasingly […]

How lack of clarity fuels team innovation

Lai, John Hon-weng • Lai, John Hon-weng • 18 April 2024 • 6 mins read

How can companies innovate? New research suggests clear goals can harm, and the answer lies in giving employees the freedom to make decisions By Pete Sabine In today’s competitive business environment, innovation is an often-heard mantra that eclipses all else. At the same time, teamwork has also gained greatly in importance, supported by the rise […]

Kim, Keongtae • Kim, Keongtae • 28 February 2024 • 6 mins read

The rising cryptocurrency market influences peer-to-peer lending with higher loan requests and amounts, benefiting tech-savvy investors but raising concerns about inequality, a new study finds By Putro Harnowo, Senior Content Manager, China Business Knowledge @ CUHK Amid the predominantly controversial news surrounding cryptocurrency and peer-to-peer (P2P) lending in the past few years, many still believe […]

Can component manufacturers outgrow themselves?

Ma, Xufei • Ma, Xufei • 25 January 2024 • 6 mins read

Original equipment manufacturers that are dependent on lead firms for technological and branding assets are less likely to invest in innovation and upgrade themselves, but here is how to break the chain By Putro Harnowo, Senior Content Manager, China Business Knowledge @ CUHK The world has become so connected that cross-border collaboration is essential in […]

When Tourists Turn to Algorithm for Fair Pricing

Innovation & Technology Sustainability

Choi, Sungwoo • Choi, Sungwoo • 09 November 2023 • 6 mins read

New study delves deeper to find why consumers feel better if algorithms, instead of humans, offer the best rate By Pan Jingyi, Principal Writer, China Business Knowledge@CUHK Have you ever booked a hotel room or a flight ticket at what you thought was the cheapest price, only to find a lower one the next day? […]

How Business Talents Embrace an Innovative and Sustainable Future

Chan, Kalok • 19 October 2023 • 7 mins read

Business leaders from different industries share their insights on how innovation, sustainability, and talents are shaping the future business world at CUHK Business School’s alumni forum By Pan Jingyi, Principal Writer, China Business Knowledge@CUHK Human life and business are at a crossroads as the new era of AI technology and rapid climate change brought existential […]

Blood & Water: Digital Transformation and Control of Family Businesses

Family Business Innovation & Technology

Karhade, Prasanna • Karhade, Prasanna • 06 April 2023 • 7 mins read

Study finds that family owners’ judicious investment strategies for digital transformation give their companies the edge over competitors in a hostile business environment By Lisa Kennedy The top spot in the 2022 Fortune Global 500 list of the world’s largest companies is held by Walmart, the vast American discount retail chain that was started by […]

Can Tech Spend Shield Hotel Performance in Volatile Markets?

Choi, Sungwoo • Choi, Sungwoo • 16 February 2023 • 5 mins read

Study finds that the benefits of investment in information technology were significantly reduced during the pandemic

Why Do Smart Kiosks Make People Feel Embarrassed?

Wan, Lisa Chun-ying, Chan, Elisa Ka-yan • Wan, Lisa Chun-ying • Chan, Elisa Ka-yan • 12 January 2023 • 7 mins read

CUHK study finds that customers, anticipating embarrassment, avoid using interactive kiosks, but certain queue designs may help

Chen, Kevin Hongfan • Chen, Kevin Hongfan • 03 November 2022 • 6 mins read

Research finds that online platforms can maximise profits through the judicious sharing of information and offering incentives to set prices that match its goals

Insurance: An Effective Tool to Encourage Demand for Online Professional Services?

Li, Hongfei • Li, Hongfei • 29 September 2022 • 6 mins read

New research highlights unintended side effects of add-on cover as risk-reduction strategy to encourage demand for online services

Are Service Robots Suitable for All Brands?

Choi, Sungwoo • Choi, Sungwoo • 08 September 2022 • 7 mins read

CUHK research finds that brands that seek to project a sincere and conservative personality may not benefit from using frontline service robots

Does the Appearance of Robots Matter to Customers?

Wan, Lisa Chun-ying • Wan, Lisa Chun-ying • 16 June 2022 • 7 mins read

CUHK research finds that customers prefer friendly-looking robots in seeking leisure-dominant information and competent-looking robots when seeking practical advice

Meta and the Metaverse

11 May 2022 • 4 mins read

Meta are working on proof-of-concept initiatives as mobile internet evolves into Web3.0 This article is republished with permission from Perspectives@SMU, the online business journal of Singapore Management University. You may access the original article here. What is the Metaverse? It is “best understood as the shift of computing and interaction from a device in your […]

Pinduoduo: Catching Up to the Big Boys of China Ecommerce

19 April 2022 • 4 mins read

China’s e-commerce upstart came to the party late but still caught up with Alibaba and JD.com

Digital Disruption: How Can Traditional Businesses Thrive?

13 April 2022 • 7 mins read

Research into Shanghai's taxi industry suggests businesses and policymakers need to take steps to mitigate adverse effects associated with digital disruption

Can Robots Be Used to Obtain Honest Customer Feedback?

Wan, Lisa Chun-ying, Choi, Sungwoo • Wan, Lisa Chun-ying • Choi, Sungwoo • 30 March 2022 • 9 mins read

CUHK research collaboration with leading robotics pioneer and Hong Kong hotel suggests service robots can provide help hospitality operators gauge customer satisfaction

Blockchain: What’s the Next Big Craze After Bitcoin and NFTs?

Consumer Behaviour Innovation & Technology Marketing

09 March 2022 • 6 mins read

Bored of Bitcoin? No flipping time for NFTs? Here’s what a cybersecurity expert has to say about the next wave of blockchain applications This article is republished with permission from BusinessThink, the online business journal of UNSW Business School. You may access the original article here. What’s the next big blockchain craze? Forget the property […]

Lin, Lisa Ya • Lin, Lisa Ya • 24 February 2022 • 8 mins read

Research study finds that digital red packets are most useful as a tool for companies to gain new and retain existing customers when they are allowed to be shared on social media

Space Tourism by 2024 a Growing Possibility in China

Innovation & Technology Sustainability

Wan, Lisa Chun-ying • Wan, Lisa Chun-ying • 20 January 2022 • 5 mins read

Developments this year have turbocharged the race to be the first to launch paying customers into space

Leaning on Innovation to Combat Plastic Pollution in Oceans

Zhou, Sean Xiang • Zhou, Sean Xiang • 18 November 2021 • 9 mins read

CUHK research studies firms in the plastic recycling industry that create ecosystems using blockchain technology and finds they can generate environmental impact and reduce local poverty while being financially sustainable

Designing Better Online Platforms for the Gig Economy

Ke, Tony Te • Ke, Tony Te • 30 September 2021 • 7 mins read

CUHK research shows price renegotiation function introduced by some online freelance work marketplaces may be misused by dishonest clients and get freelancers stuck in underpaid jobs

How to Create a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign

Kim, Keongtae • Kim, Keongtae • 16 September 2021 • 8 mins read

CUHK research reveals that capturing the attention of philanthropic funders at the early stages of crowdfunding campaigns can build momentum that leads to funding success

Five Lessons From Xiaomi’s Path to Smartphone Supremacy

14 September 2021 • 5 mins read

Xiaomi’s leadership team idolised Steve Jobs. Now, it seems the student has become the master

How ‘Human’ Should Robots Be?

Choi, Sungwoo • Choi, Sungwoo • 09 September 2021 • 8 mins read

Hotel guests like interaction with devices that look and sound like them, but they can spark displeasure after service failures, new CUHK study shows

Xiaomi’s Road to Internet-of-Things Dominance

27 July 2021 • 6 mins read

The key to building the world’s largest IoT company? A novel collaboration-based strategy of 'strategic coalescence'

The Bitcoin Bubble: Four Predictions About the Future of Cryptocurrency

07 June 2021 • 7 mins read

The market is filled with irrational exuberance when it comes to Bitcoin, and this could affect whether or not the cryptocurrency becomes a legitimate form of payment in the near future

Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs): A Turning Point for Digital Content Creators and Artistes?

24 May 2021 • 6 mins read

While non-fungible tokens (NFTs) may seem like a fad, they are revolutionising how digital content creators and artistes create new business models

Fintech: Friend or Foe to Financial Stability?

Yeh, Jason Jia-hsing • Yeh, Jason Jiah-sing • 06 May 2021 • 7 mins read

Research finds that FinTech innovations can enhance the stability of financial institutions in emerging markets and even improve their profitability

Forming Innovative and Successful Strategic Alliances Amid Market Uncertainty

Ribuga Kang • 08 April 2021 • 7 mins read

Research reveals that market uncertainty can harm the innovative ability of firms in alliances but partnering with foreign firms or outside the industry can mitigate risks

Fund Analysis: A Problem of ‘Mutual’ Attraction

Si Cheng • 04 March 2021 • 7 mins read

New research shows naïve retail investors chase machine-led fund ratings while ignoring analysts’ outperforming predictions

COVID-19 Vaccine Development Heralds ‘New Era’ for China’s Pharmaceutical Industry

Innovation & Technology Sustainability

Cliff Chau • 04 February 2021 • 7 mins read

CUHK expert highlights the country’s success in producing effective vaccines can be seen as a milestone achievement and a symbol for the pharmaceutical industry’s future capability

Is Uber Bad for the Environment?

Jin, Jenny Qianran • 07 January 2021 • 6 mins read

Research finds Uber’s carbon footprint depended the characteristics of individual cities

How Should a Robot Talk to a Customer?

Consumer Behaviour Innovation & Technology Marketing

Choi, Sungwoo • Choi, Sungwoo • 19 November 2020 • 5 mins read

Research reveals consumers prefer straightforward and clear direction in service encounters

Can Robots Save the Service Industry from COVID-19?

Consumer Behaviour Innovation & Technology Marketing

Wan, Lisa Chun-ying • Wan, Lisa Chun-ying • 08 October 2020 • 6 mins read

CUHK research shows the use of robots in service industry may help reduce the perceived risk of viral infection

How to Tailor Product Variety to Leverage on Influencer Marketing

Liao, Chenxi • Liao, Chenxi • 17 September 2020 • 7 mins read

CUHK research looks at the rise of social influencers and its implications for companies seeking to maximise profits by offering more product variety

Driving Repeat Customers for Food Delivery Apps

Liu, Ming • 03 September 2020 • 6 mins read

CUHK research underlines the role of delivery performance in the success of an on-demand meal delivery service platform

The Limitations of Using Artificial Intelligence to Pick Stocks

Si Cheng • 27 August 2020 • 4 mins read

CUHK study finds returns plummeted when artificial intelligence algorithms were limited to easy to trade and cheap stocks

Is Crowdfunding the Democratising Force It’s Cracked Up To Be?

Kim, Keongtae • Kim, Keongtae • 09 July 2020 • 5 mins read

CUHK research finds potential, but a digital divide remains

Lien Jaimie • 12 December 2019 • 5 mins read

Research shows those making shorter trips as well as commuting later in the morning are more likely to arrive at work early.

How Technology Helps Victims Cope with Natural Disasters: Evidence from China

13 September 2018 • 5 mins read

Research in China reveals hedonic mobile apps such as music, videos and games help victims to cope with post-disaster trauma By Mabel Sieh and Tong Dandan, CUHK Business School Disasters have influenced our lives throughout human history, no matter how or where we live. According to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters […]

Didi’s Strategic Move towards Globalization

Entrepreneurship Innovation & Technology

Ma, Xufei • 13 March 2018 • 4 mins read

How Didi Chuxing’s recent acquisition of 99 in Brazil helps the company to go global

Nurturing Ground for Innovative Ventures

Chau, Wilton Chi-wai • 20 February 2014 • 6 mins read

A regional platform for incubating and developing start-up ventures in Asia has taken off with the leadership of CUHK Business School

A Shift in Service Paradigm