The Paulson Institute and McKinsey & Company jointly convened a workshop in Beijing on June 5, 2013, to explore issues related to the future of manufacturing, with a focus on cross-border investment and the changing relationship between production and innovation.
The goals of the workshop were twofold: (1) to discuss the major trends that will determine the future of global manufacturing, and (2) to identify potential opportunities for cross-border manufacturing partnerships between Chinese, American, and global firms, and new tie-ups between innovation and production in the changing global economy.
This Beijing workshop was the first of several planned events that will include Chinese, American, and global CEOs and thought-leaders. The Paulson Institute and McKinsey aim to identify areas where a serious commercial case for cross-border investment exists, including for Chinese investment in the United States, and where the underlying economics (and politics) are supportive. These programs also look at constraints and obstacles. By discussing and then developing potential investment models, the goal is to help firms in the United States and China identify trends, scope opportunities, and fashion creative and future-oriented partnerships. Future workshops will take place in Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Henry M. Paulson Jr., chairman of the Paulson Institute, moderated the June 5 Beijing workshop, which was attended by, among others, Liu Chuanzhi, founder and chairman of computer-maker Lenovo and its parent, Legend Group; Lu Guanqiu, founder and chairman of auto parts conglomerate Wanxiang Group; Tang Xiuguo, co-founder and president of heavy equipment manufacturer Sany Group; Edward Tian, founder and chairman of China Broadband Capital Partners; John Zhao, CEO of Hony Capital; Fang Fenglei, chairman of Hopu Capital and chairman of Goldman Sachs Gaohua Securities; Du Lijun, assistant to the chairman of diversified aluminum conglomerate Nanshan Group and president of Nanshan America; Zheng Li, professor and head of the department of industrial engineering at Tsinghua University; and Liang Huijiang, head of international finance at China Development Bank. The McKinsey team included senior professionals from the firm’s offices in Cleveland, Chicago, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
