Join us on this exclusive study trip to Shanghai, China, and learn about the latest technological innovations with our lecturers and industry experts. We will visit leading firms (NIO, Alibaba, Ant Financial Group, ByteDance) and have the chance to discuss business model innovations, disruptive technologies, green energy, ecosystems, social commerce, AI, and more.

The program is hosted by the Executive Education of the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Informatics at the University of Zurich, in collaboration with Zhejiang University International Business School in Haining, ranked 6th in Asia and 42nd globally.

This Executive Education program combines the latest research results with industry expertise from leading innovative firms. You will learn from seasoned lecturers and renowned industry experts from startups, incubators, established firms, and policymakers in the larger Shanghai area.

The participants will have the chance to discuss case studies, take field trips, gain industry-specific insights, listen to keynotes, and participate in cultural excursions and social programs to extend their international network.

Our participants benefit from an international alumni network, access to think tanks, research institutions, partner firms, industry associations, and policy makers, including ZIBS' leadership team, and C-level speakers.

The program (8 days) provides a great platform to learn from case studies, field trips, company visits, and cultural excursions.

Program:

Day 1 - May 17, 2025

Welcome to Shanghai

• Morning: Arrival at Shanghai Pudong Intl. Airport and check-in at hotel Radisson Blu New World *****
• Afternoon: Free

Day 2 - May 18, 2025

ZIBS, Shanghai

• Morning: Lectures on disruptive technologies, big data, AI, VR/AR, biometrics
• Afternoon: Lectures on innovation, platforms, ecosystems, social commerce
• Evening: Special welcome dinner

Day 3 - May 19, 2025

Field trip: Shanghai Science and Technology Park / NIO Headquarters

• Morning: Visit China’s silicon and medicine valley
• Afternoon: Visit NIO (branded house, digital experience-oriented businesses)

Day 4 - May 20, 2025

Suzhou Industrial Park & New Development Bank

• Morning: Visit largest tech-driven park in Yangtze River Delta
• Afternoon: Visit New Development Bank (Chinese Belt & Road Initiative, green finance)

Day 5 - May 21, 2025

Field trip: ZIBS, Haining

• Morning: Transport to Haining; opening ceremony with campus tour
• Afternoon: Lecture on opportunities in the new era and Belt & Road Initiative (ecosystems, new business models, social media)
• Evening: WeLoungecultural tour; hotel check-in Zheda Yuangzheng International *****

Day 6 - May 22, 2025

Company visit: Alibaba Cloud, Hangzhou

• Morning: Visit Alibaba Cloud (B2B, data management and AI)
• Afternoon: Visit Hangzhou City Brain (urban tech, innovation, digital governance, data protection)
• Evening: hotel check-in at Lakeview Wanghu*****

Day 7 - May 23, 2025

Ant Financial Group & ByteDance, Hangzhou

• Morning: Visit Ant Financial Group (Alipay, fintech, ecosystem, super app)
• Afternoon: Visit ByteDance (social commerce, TikTok business model)

Day 8 - May 24, 2025

Hangzhou

• Morning/Afternoon: West Lake tour
• Evening: Farewell dinner with Hangzhou characteristics

 

Day 9 - May 25, 2025

Leaving Shanghai

• Morning: Transport to Shanghai Pudong Intl. Airport
• Evening: Arrival in Zurich

May 17 to 25, 2025

• Min. 15, max. 25 participants in leadership positions
• Enrolled Executive Education students, alumni of the University of Zurich and externals

Shanghai, China

Students enrolled in UZH courses may earn 4 ECTS credits for the trip. This is subject to successfully completing an examination. The eligibility of the credits must be coordinated in advance with the program director of the respective course.

CHF ~7'900, depending on registrations. Hotels, food, excursions, transportations make up 40% and are included. Excluded are intercontinental flights.

February 28, 2025

Download the program flyer (PDF, 431 KB).