Demand is driving innovation models

Max Conze, global CEO of Dyson, a world-leading household electrical appliance manufacturer

Over the past few years, I've spent a lot of time in China, and I'm struck by the passion for new technology－both hardware and software.

On the software side, it's hard to miss. WeChat is ubiquitous and the digital ecosystem in China is disruptive. The speed at which China has created this digital life is incredible, and that's why Dyson established a Technology Lab in Shanghai this year, so we can harness the digital talent pool in China. We are excited by intelligent technology, and China can play a leading role. On the hardware side, public infrastructure and the transport network have developed rapidly.

What is the biggest challenge China faces, and how can the country overcome it?

Globally, I see air quality and the environment being a key issue. Pollution is not just a China problem, but a global problem. Increasingly we are seeing that some countries suffer from different types of pollution. London, for example, has high NO2 emissions, which are caused by the predominance of diesel car emissions, whereas this is less of an issue in China. Bold solutions are needed to overcome these kinds of problems, with governments and the private sector both playing an important role.

China's announcement that it intends to ban the sale of diesel and petrol cars is another step in this direction. For companies, it's a combination of providing immediate solutions to the problems at hand－in our case high-performance purification machines, but also about addressing things like energy usage and making products more efficient.

How do you view China's role in the world today?

China is going to be a talent hub based on the quality of graduates I come across. We run a pioneers program globally for the brightest talent, and we already have sparky young Chinese students on it, including a smart electronics engineer who is now on special assignment in Germany. Our international graduate program also has a number of Chinese students enrolled. This is good for us－we want the brightest from all over the world.

Could China's experiences be used to solve global problems?

China's incredible transformation over the past 30 years and willingness to invest in big, bold infrastructure projects can probably be a lesson for both developed and developing countries as they look to kick-start economies or solve energy problems. China's nuclear scientists are already in the United Kingdom trying to bring the Hinkley Point nuclear project to life, and I think we will see more of that in the future.

What is the most unforgettable experience you have had in China?

I've had many. I lived in Guangzhou for a number of years in a previous job. The city is full of hustle and bustle, and of course the Cantonese cuisine is famous. I loved the pace of life. Summer holidays in Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan province, and other more-remote parts of China have left me with fond memories of breathtaking scenery. China has some amazing horseback trails, which are its best kept secret.

Which sectors do you feel offer the most opportunities for development in China?

China has an opportunity to export its technologies abroad in areas like infrastructure and transport. The retail sector will continue to be an important area as the country shifts away from a model driven by exports to domestic consumption. Chinese people want to invest in the best technology and won't settle for second best. It's up to companies like ours to deliver that.

What are the most innovative trends or products in China?

Our founder James Dyson has a pretty clear idea on this－he's obsessed with WeChat. He's even started asking engineers to develop products with WeChat in mind. We know in this new social and digital world, technology can die in an instant－social can be so cruel. It forces technology companies to think about how their product will be received in the digital world, ensuring they are serving consumers with the right machines.