ZHAO Wei

Education

Ph.D in Economics, University of Paris 3 (La Sorbonne Nouvelle) ; MA in Applied Sociology, Sun Yatsen University (Canton, China)

Experience

Having graduated in sociology in China, he came to Lyon (France) in 1997 and worked with French sociologists Bernard Ganne of GLISY-SAFA (CNRS), Lyon, Jean Ruffier (CNRS) and Rigas Arvanitis (IRD, Paris), then economists Xavier Richet (University of Paris 3) and Jean François Huchet (CEFC-Hongkong). After returning to China in 1998, he animated Sino-French scientific co-operations with Centre Franco-chinois de Sociologie de l’industrie et des technologies (a joint venture laboratory of Sun Yatsen University, University of Lyon 3 and IRD). His research on China’s economic development was deeply rooted in empirical analysis of firms.

His business experience started with advertising and market research with a leading international research firm, and quality management consulting, then human resources management consulting. He joined Chinese real estate business as marketing manager from 1998 which eventually led him to join a major international commercial company. With this multinational company, he had a seven-year experience as senior corporate public affairs manager in China.

Joining ESC SAINT ETIENNE since 2007, his teaching includes Management of Innovation and Sociology of Company. His current research interest is on overseas innovation strategy of Chinese companies and global innovation strategy of advanced companies. At the meantime, he keeps an eye on China’s economic rise and its impact on Europe.

Contact

wei_zhao@esc-saint-etienne.fr