Globalisation had already been under attack prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some argue that capital, technology and employment have moved to China as a result of its rising dominance in the global supply chain. However, Western countries had also been talking about bringing manufacturing home, especially with the ongoing spat between the US and China. The attempts by the UK government to encourage the rapid development and production of PPE cross the country is another example of the desperate efforts by the Western world to stay in control of its critical supply chain and reduce its dependence on China. But what factors should companies be considering when working out a new supply chain strategy and how should companies go about implementing it in the so-called “China plus One” model?
To help businesses have a better understanding of these impending challenges and prepare for the strategic changes ahead, Crayfish is holding an online discussion on 16th June, where we will be discussing these important and timely topics with a panel of academic and industry experts in sustainable manufacturing systems, technology and business management, strategic change, mobile, semiconductor, transportation and digital healthcare industries, from both the UK and China.
Chaired by Ting Zhang, Founder & CEO of Crayfish.io, the confirmed speakers include:
- Dr Yongjiang Shi, University Lecturer in the IfM and Research Director of the Centre for International Manufacturing (CIM), University of Cambridge.
- Ms Laura Pan, Partner of OFD (Shenzhen).
- Ms Francesca Smith, CEO and Managing Partner, Cambridge Consulting Associates
Date & Time: 10:00 – 11:30 BST, 16th June, online
Panel:
Dr Yongjiang Shi is a lecturer in the IfM Masters programme Industrial Systems, Manufacturing and Management and research director of the Centre for International Manufacturing (CIM). He has been with the IfM since 1994 and since then has undertaken extensive research into international manufacturing network configurations including taking a leading role in the conceptualisation and delivery of the Centre’s research programme. His research interests include global manufacturing networks, business ecosystem development, the strategies of multinational corporations in China, and sustainable industrial systems.
Laura Pan is a Partner and Marketing Director of OFD, a manufacturing consulting company based in Shenzhen. She has more than 15 years’ experience in supply chain management, operation / process optimization, technology and IP strategy development. Her industry expertise covers from electronics manufacturing to semiconductor distribution, having worked with many multinational companies and previously held senior positions in large industry players including IBM and Future Electronics. Before joining OFD, she was a partner of a local consulting company focused on IP protection and patent strategic design. Laura holds an MBA degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Francesca Smith is a strategic change leader, advisor and board member with significant industry and management consultancy experience and expertise. She has had an extensive career portfolio of initiating, leading and providing oversight for complex large-scale strategic change in blue chip FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies embracing wide cultural and international exposure. As a Visiting Fellow of the Sir John Cass Business School, City, University of London she has lectured in leadership and strategic change with a particular focus on China. Francesca is a University of Cambridge and Harvard Business School alumnus.
