A fresh research-based look at how companies can better compete on their own terms with tech
giants—from a Harvard Business School professor and a former Bloomberg journalist. Companies
are fighting the wrong battle. The consensus has been to learn the best practices from tech
giants and then imitate them. But new paths for growth aren't created by imitation they're
forged by radical differentiation. In Smart Rivals Harvard Business School professor Feng Zhu
and former Bloomberg journalist Bonnie Yining Cao show business leaders how to create
competitive advantages by offering product features and benefits that tech giants and other
competitors cannot match in the digital AI age. Taking readers on a global journey Zhu and Cao
showcase a variety of companies—including Domino's Nike and Sephora—and fascinating case
studies such as Belle the leading women's footwear retailer in China EbonyLife Nigeria's
top media conglomerate and Telepass Italy's popular electronic toll payment service. Through
these diverse examples they illustrate how companies identify their path for growth in the
digital age by leveraging their unique capabilities. Drawing on original research and insights
gleaned from leaders in a wide range of industries Smart Rivals is a blueprint for uncovering
your company's hidden strengths. It will help you spark innovative solutions and
capabilities—including new products services strategies and advantages—that mere imitation
could never provide.
