Publications
Publications
- August 2023
- HBS Case Collection
Huawei: A Global Tech Giant in the Crossfire of a Digital Cold War
By: William C. Kirby and Noah B. Truwit
Abstract
Teaching Note for HBS Case No. 320-089. By 2020, Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei, had transformed the small telephone switch manufacturer he founded in 1987 into a $120 billion telecommunications company poised to lead the lucrative rollout of fifth-generation (5G) cellular networks. However, an emerging U.S.-China tech war had jeopardized Huawei's prospects. The Trump administration waged a global campaign to blacklist Huawei due to concerns in Washington about the company's relationship with the Chinese government and the security of its products. As Huawei attempted to answer the litany of questions being asked about its business, its corporate communications and government relations strategies were thrust onto center stage.
How can a company be so successful technologically but struggle so mightily in telling its story? What would it take for Huawei to repair its relationship with Washington? Can Huawei hope to protect itself from the crossfire of a growing digital cold war between the U.S. and China?
How can a company be so successful technologically but struggle so mightily in telling its story? What would it take for Huawei to repair its relationship with Washington? Can Huawei hope to protect itself from the crossfire of a growing digital cold war between the U.S. and China?
Keywords
Geopolitical Units; Business and Government Relations; International Relations; Communication Strategy; Telecommunications Industry; China
Citation
Kirby, William C., and Noah B. Truwit. "Huawei: A Global Tech Giant in the Crossfire of a Digital Cold War." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 324-019, August 2023.