Looking back at 2011: A year of ‘glocalization’

This past year marked the 8th year since CBi China Bridge started its business here in Shanghai. It has brought us the opportunity to work on exciting and game changing projects with a diverse range of industry-leading companies. It has truly been a privilege to collaborate, create, impact and support the further development of our clients in sectors as diverse as automobile, FMCG, consumer electronics, medical and home appliances.

 

2011 has without a doubt been the year of 'glocalization'. The need to deeply understand Chinese users has become more important than ever. Both multinational and local Chinese companies have experienced a transformation which has seen them move away from distribution driven strategies to user focused ones. They strived to ensure that their brands, products and services, and the experiences users have with them, became 'fit for China'.

 

To support this shift in the market and to serve as a “Bridge” with even more markets our team has grown tremendously in expertise, in numbers and cultural diversity. We can proudly say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in over 10 different languages.

 

With 'Glocalization' in mind, we have started down the path to helping our clients and partners approach other fast growing markets through the establishment of the Innovation Union.Together with likeminded partners, we are now able to utilize our strengths to provide research and strategic support on innovation strategy in other complex, challenging and fast-growing markets like Brazil, Mexico, India and hopefully soon, Russia.

We have continued our mission to raise awareness around the importance in user and culture centered design globally and especially in the Chinese market. We shared our experiences and thoughts on the China Design Industry and its possibilities at world-renowned institutions and events in the US, Europe, Latin America and India. A very dynamic event, sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Culture-Based Innovation Workshop provided us with a platform to exchange ideas with thought leaders from around the world.

 

Our role as main driver in our sector hit new heights this year when we brought the Business Community and the Design Community closer together to celebrate the impact 'Successful Design'has on society and the economy.

CBi China Bridge's KAI (Kirton Adaptation Innovation) training workshopsare now available in Chinese as well as English. The KAI method uses psychometric testing to help people identify their preferred thinking style, and understand how to use this to maximize their creative potential.

We want to wish all of our friends, partners and customers a Merry Christmas. We thank you for your support, trust and passion. All of us know how to mindfully use our strengths. This helps us capture success. It drives us to do what we do and it allows us to grow. We look forward to sharing that experience once again, together with you, in 2012 and beyond.