Time has put both companies and individuals into the torrents of the digital age. Digital technologies are transforming our activities at an astonishing speed and in ways that we could never have imagined.

The nature of China’s reaction to the virus outbreak has opened new perspectives on how business operates in the country. Here, we take a look at how COVID-19, Chinese society and the digital economy have interacted during the crisis.

Why is it Shanghai, instead of any US city, that is home to the largest number of Starbucks stores? Why is the century-old brand Coca-Cola still vibrant? According to Fang Yue, Professor of Economics and Decision Sciences at CEIBS, the answers to these questions have a lot to do with creating customers and generating value for them. How can businesses create customers by leveraging the power of technology? How can they tap and meet customers’ real needs? Professor Fang Yue offered his insights.