Economy

Swedish university targets China's family business education

By Xie Jingwei (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-03-03 09:28

A renowned Swedish university is actively increasing its presence in China and searching for cooperation partners for family enterprise education.

"China has huge market potential for family business education since China's family enterprises mushroomed in recent years along with the rapid development of the country's private business," said Johan Larsson, director of Studies, Marketing and Logistics at Jönköping University's International Business School in Sweden.

Over three decades of development, private businesses in China have created massive wealth. However, as the first generation of Chinese entrepreneurs near retirement age, the issue of succession has proven itself as a major challenge. According to research by the Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce, about 80 percent of private enterprises are facing succession problems.

Larsson believes Jönköping International Business School (JIBS), which boasts a strong research background in family business, will provide useful suggestions to improve the operation of family enterprises in China. He also believes the school can solve other problems, including succession.

The Center for Family Enterprise and Ownership at JIBS was ranked No 1 in Europe in the field of family business research in 2009, according to JIBS' website. It provides executive programs, such as active ownership and succession of ownership and leadership.

"Currently we don't have any program specially designed for Chinese students, but if the market needs it, we'll set it up some in the future," said Larsson, who is carrying out market research in China.

Larsson only mentioned the center is considering cooperation with China's prestigious Nanjing University in the capital of East China's Jiangsu province. He didn't elaborate, but noted the center is looking for more partners in China.

According to information from JIBS' website, JIBS is recognized as the most international business school in Sweden and one of the most international in the world. Around 30 percent of the employees and students come from outside of Sweden. The school has more than 200 partner universities all over the world. Approximately 85 percent of the students spend at least one semester abroad.