On April 26, 2025, the workshop on Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications jointly organised by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Centre for Digital Copyright and IP Research in China and the Louyu Community of Shounan Subdistrict, Yinzhou District, was successfully held at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. The workshop focused on the application prospects and challenges of AI technology in Chinese enterprise management practices. Its aim was to facilitate deep collaboration between academia and industry while showcasing cutting-edge research findings and practical insights in the digital era.
The workshop featured in-depth discussions on "How AI is influencing enterprise management and digital innovation in China". Experts and scholars from multiple universities shared their research progress and case studies during the event. For instance, Professor Chun-Der Chen from Ming Chuan University delivered a presentation titled "Adoption Paths of Generative AI in Cross-Border E-commerce". He applied the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) to analyse the dual-path application mechanism of generative AI in the cross-border e-commerce sector. Through case studies, his research demonstrated how generative AI effectively supports personalised recommendations and user interaction experiences on e-commerce platforms, providing a detailed explanation of the key logics and practical frameworks for its implementation.
Dr Hezhong Jiang from Ningbo University addressed the topic "The Influence of ESG Performance on Green Technology Innovation: A Study of Heavily Polluting Enterprises in China". His study explored how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices can drive green technology innovation among enterprises, offering a scientific basis for improving sustainable development capabilities.
Addressing potential management challenges posed by AI applications, Dr Zhaohan Xie from Ningbo University presented her research titled "Out of Control: Assessing the Negative Perception of AI-driven Decisions in Enterprises". The study analysed the public opinion risks associated with AI-based decision-making by enterprises, cautioning organisations to proactively mitigate potential negative impacts during their digital transformation journeys.
Xiaoxin Liu from Shanghai International Studies University and Kuo-Ti Liao from Ming Chuan University's School of Information jointly presented their research titled "Knowledge Structure and Trend Analysis of Digital Governance Research in Chinese Enterprises". Utilising multi-dimensional perspectives, they analysed the core frameworks and evolutionary trends of digital governance. Their findings provide important insights for research on the digital management of enterprises, helping refine strategies for their digital transformation.
The workshop concluded with a group discussion involving both industry representatives and scholars. Participants engaged in in-depth exchanges on the practical applications of AI technology, risk management strategies, and future development trends. Representatives from companies such as Ningbo Yinyi Property Management Co., Ltd., Ningbo Haishang Co., Ltd., China Merchants Property Operation & Service Co., Ltd. and Ningbo Yuquan Co., Ltd. shared their practical experiences in digital transformation and explored the integration of technological innovation and management optimisation with academic experts.
This workshop provided an important platform for interdisciplinary research and industrial practices in the fields of digital transformation and AI, illustrating how academic insights can drive corporate innovation. Looking ahead, there is a commitment to further discussions in areas such as ethical norms, technical applications, and management practices to inject fresh momentum into the digital development of Chinese enterprises.