Pascal Coppens's biography
- Authority on Chinese innovation and entrepreneurship
- International keynote speaker on business in China
- Author of China's New Normal
Pascal Coppens is a leading authority on Chinese innovation and a sought-after keynote speaker. With over 20 years of experience in China and Silicon Valley, he has a deep understanding of the Chinese market as a sinologist and entrepreneur. He began his career at Alcatel in Shanghai and later worked in Silicon Valley at Wind River Systems and co-founded Polycore Software. In 2009, Pascal founded Letsface, creating the first offline digital community platform for premium brands. He also co-created Sinnolabs in 2016, a growth accelerator that helps European SMEs enter the Chinese market. After two decades abroad, Pascal returned to Belgium in 2017 to continue his work with Sinnolabs, supporting Belgian scale-ups in China. Today, Pascal is a partner at nexxworks and shares his insights on Chinese innovation, digital trends, and leadership through his keynotes. He is also the author of "China's New Normal," which explores business and technology in China and their global implications.
Pascal's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Pascal Coppens, author of the bestseller China’s New Normal, explores how China has rapidly transformed into a global innovation leader. His 2019 predictions about China's dominance in ten sectors have proven accurate, with brands like Huawei and TikTok leading the way. In his keynote, Coppens delves into the factors behind this remarkable shift from copycat to innovator, offering attendees valuable insights into the emerging potentials of modern China and the urgency for Western companies to adapt.
Pascal Coppens will explore the rapid rise of AI in China, highlighting the nation’s ambition to lead the field by 2030. He will discuss how Chinese companies, such as TikTok and Baidu, have pioneered AI applications, while the government has actively supported generative AI development. With over 200 large language models now in operation, including Baidu’s Ernie bot, attendees will learn about China's unique approach to AI and its implications for the global landscape.
China's Business Ecosystems
Pascal Coppens will explore the powerful business ecosystems in China, highlighting their evolution from Western imitation to complex innovation hubs. He will discuss key examples, such as the WeChat Superapp and Alibaba's platforms, and examine how the Chinese government fosters supply chain ecosystems, particularly in electric vehicles. Attendees will learn how to develop similar ecosystems outside China to enhance innovation, improve customer experience, increase resilience, and generate new revenue streams.
In his keynote, Pascal Coppens examines the shifting global landscape, where China's aspirations for superpower status evoke fear in the West amidst a resurgence of Cold War mentalities. By analysing the perspectives of the Chinese people and their trust in their system, Coppens sheds light on the underlying tensions between China and the West. Attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of these dynamics and the eight circles of trust that shape perceptions.
In his keynote, Pascal Coppens explores the complexities of China's evolving role in the global landscape amidst rising tensions with the US and internal challenges. He discusses China's shift from self-sufficiency to a strategic plan aimed at becoming a leading global innovator. Attendees will gain insights into China's potential for a new economic miracle and the implications for the world, equipping them to understand and respond to this transformative phase.
Why we recommend booking Pascal
Book Pascal Coppens to gain unparalleled insights into Chinese innovation and business culture. His extensive experience and engaging presentations will empower your team to harness opportunities in China, driving growth and success. Don’t miss the chance to learn from a true expert in navigating the complexities of this dynamic market.
We had the privilege of Pascal Coppens hosting a webcast to all of our people on China's new normal. The session was highly insightful and provided us with an eye-opening perspective on how China has developed itself over these past few decades, as well as an outlook on how it is likely to grow further.
Pascal's sessions are very inspiring. His incredible presentation on technology advancement makes people understand today's situation in China and encourages us to use these insights in order to make the world a better working one.
Thierry Mortier
Energy Digital & Innovation Leader
It was great to work together with Pascal who combines decades of practical hightech experience, entrepreneurship and market insights in China with deep analysis of intercultural aspects and the definition of new cultural standards. Besides that, he's a fantastic presenter.
VP Corporate Communications, Huawei
VP Corporate Communications, Huawei
