The Evolving Socio-Economic and Political Landscape of International Business in China
9:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007
Cornell Auditorium in Plaster Hall
Admission: free

The keynote presentation of the “The Dragon Awake: China and its Emergence as a Global Business Leader” conference focuses on the economic, social, and political changes affecting international business in China, a country in transition, moving rapidly through the development cycle and emerging as an economic superpower. However, with this economic transformation also comes strain on the political, economic, and legal infrastructure and changes in societal values. These changes have altered the human condition in China as well as the atmosphere for investors, consumers, entrepreneurs, and laborers. The presentation will include a contextual overview of these changes to increase understanding of opportunities and threats in the Chinese market.

Dr. Ilan Alon is the Petters Chair of International Business and the executive director of the Rollins China Center at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. He is the author, editor, and co-editor of seven books relating to international business, including Chinese Economic Transition and International Marketing Strategy (Praeger, 2003); Chinese Culture, Organizational Behavior, and International Business Management (Quorum, 2003); and International Franchising in Emerging Markets: China, India, and Other Asian Countries (CCH Inc., 2001). Dr. Alon is a recipient of the Chinese Marketing Award and the prestigious Rollins College McKean Award for his work on education in China. He has taught courses in top Chinese MBA programs, including Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, and the China Europe International Business School.