Exploring Smart Manufacturing, Inspiring Innovation — QIBA Visits Haier Innovation Ecosystem Park

On March 28, the Qingdao International Business Association (QIBA), in collaboration with the Alumni Association of Qingdao Ocean University, hosted an insightful visit themed “Exploring Smart Manufacturing, Inspiring Innovation.” Over 30 entrepreneurs from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Hangzhou, and Qingdao visited Haier Innovation Ecosystem Park, a global benchmark for intelligent manufacturing. The event offered an immersive tour of Haier’s Culture Exhibition Hall and fostered deep discussions on industrial internet transformation. It served as a platform to bridge cross-sector and cross-regional collaboration, accelerating integration among industry, academia, and research.

Guided by Haier’s professional docents, the delegation explored three themed halls: The Path of Entrepreneurship, Rendanheyi Model, and Ecosystem Brand. The recreation of the iconic 1984 "hammer smashing refrigerator" scene sparked lively discussion. Entrepreneurs remarked, “This hammer didn’t just break a fridge—it forged a spirit of quality and craftsmanship.” The COSMOPlat Industrial Internet Platform, enhanced by holographic visuals and real-time data displays, vividly showcased Haier’s evolution from a traditional appliance maker to a leading ecosystem-based enterprise.    

In the Smart Home Experience Zone, visitors interacted with cutting-edge technologies—ordering fresh groceries from the refrigerator screen, operating the "lazy person’s washing machine," and controlling air conditioning with voice commands. These scenarios impressed the group with Haier’s seamless blend of technology and daily living. The HOPE Innovation Platform, which visualizes the full cycle from user needs to R&D outcomes, drew particular interest from entrepreneurs.

During the roundtable session at Haier University, QIBA Board Member René Moerman hosted a global trade discussion. Starting from the concept of “fairness,” he shared key insights into European business negotiation styles and explored how companies can identify unique selling points when expanding internationally. The session sparked dynamic exchanges among Chinese and foreign business leaders.

As the delegation posed for a group photo in front of the Haier Innovation Pledge Wall, a welcoming message lit up the exhibition screen: “Haier Welcomes QIBA.” This touching moment captured the spirit of collaboration and reflected Qingdao’s strong commitment to global connectivity. Only through openness and mutual growth can we lead intelligently into the future.    

We look forward to welcoming more global partners to join QIBA in this ongoing journey of innovation and discovery!

Qingdao International Business Association Share Wisdom, Discuss Cooperation, and Create the Future Together.

QIBA（Qingdao International Business Association) was established in 2006, aims to build an experience sharing and networking platform for foreign and Chinese entrepreneurs and professionals to find new opportunities, discuss coorperations and create the future together.