As geopolitical frictions intensify and technological standards and regulatory systems diverge, the global business landscape is quietly being redrawn. For an increasing number of Chinese companies seeking to expand overseas, Europe represents not only a highly regulated market but also a vital window into global business culture and compliance systems. How to build sustainable growth in a continent defined by distinct cultural, institutional, and competitive logics has become an unavoidable challenge for entrepreneurs and senior executives alike.
Against this backdrop, Europe’s business schools are redefining their strategic role—not merely as networks of knowledge, but as hubs that help companies understand policy, markets, and cultural differences. Among them, HEC Paris stands out as one of France’s most influential institutions. Its Master in Management (MiM) program has consistently ranked among the world’s best in the Financial Times global rankings, topping the list several times and maintaining a leading position in recent years.
In an interview with FT Chinese, Kristine de Valck, Associate Dean and Professor of Marketing at HEC Paris, noted that as artificial intelligence and global trade patterns reshape business, both educators and entrepreneurs must rethink what “internationalization” truly means. AI, she said, is redefining the relationship between brands and consumers, and future competitiveness will depend on whether companies can use AI responsibly to build deeper human trust. For businesses looking to enter the European market, Europe’s emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and cultural diversity is fast becoming a new global benchmark for competitiveness.