Available to book
Pascal Coppens
Innovation
Emerging Markets
China
Explore the dynamics of Chinese innovation and discover new opportunities for your business with Pascal Coppens, speaker and China innovation expert.
Innovator
Digital Expert
Entrepreneur
Thought Leader
Business Leader
Author
Founder
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.
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.
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.
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.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email pascal.coppens@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Pascal's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Pascal Coppens structures his keynotes around verified predictions and sector-specific case studies, drawing on his book China's New Normal and two decades of on-the-ground experience in China and Silicon Valley. He uses named company examples — such as Baidu, TikTok, WeChat, and Alibaba — to trace the progression from imitation to innovation, grounding strategic takeaways in documented market developments.
Pascal Coppens speaks on China's innovation ecosystem, the rise of AI in China, and the strategic dynamics of Chinese business platforms such as WeChat and Alibaba. He is the author of China's New Normal and brings over 20 years of experience working across China and Silicon Valley, including roles at Alcatel in Shanghai and co-founding ventures in both markets.
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