China has transformed itself from a manufacturing powerhouse into a global leader in innovation, particularly in the automotive sector. Today, Chinese companies are setting the pace in electric vehicles, battery technology, and advanced mobility, challenging long-established European manufacturers and reshaping the global competitive landscape.

How was this transformation achieved? What role has industrial policy played in China's success? Can Europe respond effectively to this new reality? And what should business leaders understand about the strategic forces driving one of the world's most significant economic shifts?

We are delighted to invite you to an exclusive IESE Alumni Chapter Austria event exploring one of the most important economic and strategic developments shaping the global automotive industry.

China’s Industrial Policy: What Europe’s Automotive Industry Can Learn

China has emerged as a global leader in electric vehicles, battery technology, and advanced mobility, challenging established European manufacturers and redefining the competitive landscape.

Join Prof. Marc Sachon, Head of the Operations, Information and Technology Department at IESE Business School, as he examines how China's industrial policy has driven this transformation and what lessons European companies and business leaders can draw for the future.

Share with the IESE Alumni Chapter Austria an evening of insight and discussion built around the IESE case study “BYD Enters Europe.” Using BYD’s expansion into the European market as a practical lens, participants will explore China’s industrial strategy, the rise of its automotive champions, and the strategic implications for European manufacturers, policymakers, and business leaders.


Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Venue:
RHE Rechtsanwälte
Türkenstraße 5
1090 Vienna, Austria
Program
18:30 – Registration and Welcome
19:00 – Keynote Session with Prof. Marc Sachon, Head of the Operations, Information and Technology Department at IESE Business School
20:30 – Networking Cocktail

Our Host
A big thank you to Stephan Rödler, Maximilian Harnoncourt, and Oktavian Eiselsberg, Partners at RHE Rechtsanwälte, for hosting this event at their newly opened office. They will welcome the IESE community to their newly opened offices on Türkenstraße and host the networking reception with drinks and finger food.

Who Should Attend?

The event is open to all IESE alumni in Austria. We also warmly welcome alumni from Germany, Switzerland, and neighboring countries across Central and Eastern Europe.

To foster an engaging discussion and meaningful networking opportunities, participation is limited to 70 attendees. Early registration is therefore recommended.

We look forward to welcoming you to Vienna on October 21 for an evening of thought-provoking discussion, valuable networking, and lifelong learning with the IESE community.

IESE Alumni Chapter Austria