CEO Insight: Impressions from Dr. Fritz Audebert's Trip to China
China as a Constant Pioneer
China in 2025? A country that continues to play a leading role today, as our CEO and founder Dr. Fritz Audebert once again experienced during his recent visit. Since his last trip to China four years ago, the country’s economy and society have evolved at an impressive pace.
With an annual GDP growth rate of 5.2% in 2024 (IMF World Economic Outlook), China remains the world’s second-largest economy and continues to drive global innovation with leading investments in artificial intelligence and technology. At the same time, urbanization has accelerated further, with more than 60% of the population now living in urban areas (World Bank, 2023).
What does this mean for intercultural collaboration, and what opportunities does China offer international businesses? We’d like to share our CEO’s insights with you:
Digitalization at Its Finest
China has long been a pioneer in digitalization – but the scale it has now achieved is truly remarkable. Credit card or cash payments? Rarely used anymore. Nearly everything – from train tickets to food orders – is handled digitally, usually via WeChat. A seamlessly integrated system that enables not only efficiency but also transparency.
Modernization is evident not only in digital advancements but also in the futuristic design of architectural mega-projects and the automotive industry.
Embracing Cultural Similarities and Differences as Opportunities
In addition to an engaging exchange with Dr. Patricia Flor, the German Ambassador to China, Dr. Fritz Audebert also held several insightful conversations with (potential) clients on site. Five of them emphasized that the need for support in global mobility, leadership development, and intercultural collaboration is greater than ever:
Building Cultural Bridges: An international automotive supplier aims to leverage cultural differences between China and Mexico as opportunities for optimized collaboration – with our support.
Strengthening Leadership: A global leader in kitchen and gastronomy solutions is investing in tailored leadership training to further develop its team effectively.
Overcoming Trade Barriers: A leading transportation company is facing customs increases, lack of local production, and intense competition. Intercultural preparation of its management team is intended to help address these challenges.
Shaping International Mobility: A major Chinese insurance provider is preparing for a merger and plans to send 500 employees abroad over the next three years. ICUnet.Group can provide support through intercultural training and customized mobility processes.
Succeeding Through Intercultural Competence: A German mid-sized company with a new production site in China recognizes the growing need for leadership and communication training.
Small Team with Big Impact – ICUnet Shanghai
China remains a key market for ICUnet.Group. Our team in Shanghai, although consisting of just three members, has built remarkable customer intimacy with nearly 20 clients over the past few years. The feedback on our training and consulting services has been consistently positive! Should current projects continue to develop, expanding our presence on the ground will be the next step.
Science Meets Practice – At One of China’s Most Prestigious Universities
Another highlight of Dr. Fritz Audebert’s visit was his lecture at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), the second part of which will be conducted in April by Dr. Andreas Bastian, MD ICUnet Asia-Pacific. BFSU is considered one of the most renowned universities in China.
What makes it so special? In addition to 102 languages, diplomacy and the field of artificial intelligence are taught here. Currently, 64 of the 183 Chinese ambassadors are alumni of this university – a testament to its central role in international education!
The exchange with the students and the university president, Prof. Dr. Jia Wenjian, once again highlighted the importance of intercultural competence for the next generation of diplomats and business leaders. Dr. Fritz Audebert had the opportunity to meet Prof. Dr. Jia Wenjian 10 years ago, when he was still a professor of German studies. At that time, we collaborated on a research project to translate our potential assessment tool, I4ID® (Inventory for Intercultural Development), into Chinese.
Proactively Embracing Change as the New Normal
China’s economic and societal transformation continues to advance rapidly. Companies must operate more agilely, interconnectedly, and with greater cultural sensitivity than ever before. The demand for intercultural consulting, leadership training, and global mobility services is high – particularly in a market as dynamic as China.
For ICUnet.Group, this means: Our expertise will be increasingly in demand in the Chinese market to ensure successful international collaboration, even in globally turbulent times. We will continue to develop strategically and look forward to this journey!