Are you tired of discussing theories and being an armchair expert?
At U-Corp Lab
We will break the barriers between campus and industry and take you to engage with leading enterprises.
You will have the opportunity to take part in enterprise research projects. To apply what you have learned in class and build your own program team and gain professional guidance
DKU Innovation and Entrepreneurship will launch U-Corp Lab in the 2021 Fall Semester. As a pilot program, we will work with MSC, a Sustainability Strategy Consultancy on three research projects.
More details, please join us:
MSC @ U-Corp Lab Info Session on September 3rd.
What is U-Corp Lab?
// Overview
The U-Corp Lab (U-Corp) is a co-innovation platform established to provide long-term strategic partnership between innovative organizations/companies and Duke Kunshan University. U-Corp helps innovative organizations/companies develop relationships with the vibrant DKU research and entrepreneurial community and access emerging talent through co-innovation projects. At the same time, DKU students will be involved in co-innovation projects with companies, mastering industry-proven innovation research methodologies through productive practice.
When students are completing the projects, organizations/companies will share their perspectives and corresponding research methodologies in these areas with students, while students will learn to master these methodologies under the guidance of faculty/researcher/industrial experts, combine their expertise and skills to clarify and define the specifics of the innovative project, conduct research, provide insights, and propose creative solutions.
// How it works
// How it can be benefited?
Exposure to real-world innovation practices, business, cultures, and mindset
Deep dive into an industry and get domain know-how around the industry essentials
Conduct research using a variety of industry-proven methodologies and tools
Improve innovation capability, team working, and research capability through practical project experience
Get a unique perspective and a first-hand opportunity to choose a relevant career path
About MSC
// Overview
“Impact For The Next 100 Years“ is the slogan of MSC. MSC is a sustainability strategy consultancy. We help business make critical decisions related to sustainability strategy and social impact of business growth and cost opportunities. We work to ensure that sustainability efforts are anchored in business fundamentals and demonstrate a clear return on investment – and that those efforts are then firmly embedded within our clients’ strategy and operation.
About Info Session
Topic: MSC @ U-Corp Lab info session
Guest Speaker: 谭亚幸 (Jacob Tomas)
Time: 2021/09/03, 9:30-11:30am
Zoom ID: 947 3965 5707
Password: dkumsc
// Overview
InE will launch the first U-Corp Lab program in partnership with MSC in the fall semester 2021.In the Info session. We will firstly introduce InE and the main content of U-Corp Lab, and how it can benefit DKU students. Secondly, Mr. Tan Ya-xing (Jacob Thomas), the founder and CEO of MSC, will introduce MSC and the three research projects that MSC brings to DKU students.
// Guest Speaker
Jacob Tomas is the co-founder of the Be Village Association and the Global Social Finance Network. He also belongs to the Global Shapers Community, and he is the representative of Young Entrepreneurs under the overseas version of the People’s Daily. Jacob has topped “Forbes 30 Under 30 China” list in 2018 and is a pioneer and explorer in the field of sustainable development in China. He also gains “United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Chinese Youth Leader” in 2019.
He has been serving as a CSR adviser for many Global 500 companies and is leading the transformation towards sustainability for many Chinese corporations. Jacob has also been deeply involved in many social innovation projects in the U.K., Japan, Thailand, and Cambodia. He was once received by the former Thai Prime Minister, and proposed valuable advice regarding environmental issues to the Japanese Cabinet.
3 Main Projects
1. Sustainable Fashion Report White Paper 2.0
Project Introduction
In 2020, MSC partnered with CBN and Sateri, releasing China’s first sustainable fashion white covers. The product covers wide topics in the fashion industry; thorough analysis of the impacts of sustainable consumption, supply and demand trends, and consumers’ perceptions and preferences. The cover provides insights into the challenges the fashion industry faces and explores new ways on sustainable business. In addition, they also use a more systematic approach in evaluating the fashion industry value chain.
In 2021, we have decided to launch the second phase of our “Sustainable Fashion” research. Based on our data, a popular choice has been the dual carbon industry. As more and more Chinese companies become industry leaders, they have also expanded their practices and methodologies towards international business. Greater influence over their perspective industries has also improved their ability to initiate future initiatives.
The cover is bilingual and will cover international impacts (with the possibility for potential students to sign-up). Additionally, the cover will not be academical, but rather practical. Special focus on specific cases will also be done to help fashion companies to become even more sustainable.
Duties:
- Case collection, research, analysis, interview with key stakeholders
- Data capturing, analysis and visualization of data and opinion presentation
- Report writing, PPT production (basic aesthetics only, no designing background required)
2. Game For Good Consulting Project
Project Introduction
Game for Good (G4G) is a non-profit open platform dedicated for BOKE’s Office of Development and MSC Consulting. G4G explores the positive value and sustainability of games with research cutting-edge theories. While developing the fun and meaningfulness of “game+” projects are important, give a voice to the positive value of games is equally important too.
This will be a bilingually international consulting project where participating students will have the opportunity to speak publicly, visit locations offline, and participate in the development of a “gamification resource kit” to explore the positive social value of games.
Duties:
- Summary of “gamification” methodology, strategy output
- Case collection, research, analysis, interviews with key stakeholders
- Data capture, analysis and visualization of data and insights
3. Sustainable Consumption Issues & Track Research
Project Introduction
In 2020, MSC Consulting and CBN released the Sustainable Consumption Report, which explores the changes in consumer behavior during the epidemic. In the report, the opportunities presented by new consumption habits and the rules of “goodwill” for businesses were all focus points. The report also has produced a series of sustainable consumption-related toolkits to help guide companies in addressing such challenges and opportunities in the post-epidemic era, leading to further development and growth.
In 2021, we will launch the second phase of our research on sustainable consumption-related issues and tracks, with topics such as circular economy, recycled materials, and green lifestyles. This will be in a bilingual form and focused on international sectors. Duke Kunshan University will co-publish the report with participating students. At the same time, the project will also produce in-depth insightful analytical articles. Practical than theoretical, the project will focus on real-life case studies and industry trends with the aim of truly exploring the future of sustainable consumption.
Duties:
- College student group research
- Case study collection, analysis, focus group interviews
- Data capturing, analysis and visualization of data and opinion presentation
- Report writing, article writing (no designing background required)