I. ESSCA Business School: More Than a Triple-Crown Accredited European Powerhouse

Before we dive into the main topic, let me briefly introduce this outstanding business school where we are gathered today.

Founded in 1909, ESSCA is one of France's oldest business schools and belongs to the prestigious French "Grandes Écoles" system. Its most notable distinction is being one of the very few business schools worldwide to hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations — AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA — a feat achieved by less than 1% of business schools globally.

ESSCA's geographical footprint is itself a vivid lesson in globalization. Its campuses span Angers, Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux in France, as well as Budapest in Hungary and Shanghai in China. Its Master in Management program consistently ranks among the top in the world in the Financial Times rankings — placing 80th globally in 2024. The school has also built a partnership network with 279 institutions across 55 countries. This means that the business world you will face in the future knows no borders — and ESSCA has already prepared the starting line for you.

II. The Market Reality of ERIET Solar Air Conditioning: A Rising Sector

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter. Why should we pay attention to solar air conditioning?

1. A Real and Rapidly Growing Market

According to research data from QYResearch and other institutions, the global solar air conditioning system market was valued at approximately $399 million in 2025 and is projected to grow to $912 million by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4%. Behind these numbers lies the reality of mounting global pressure for energy transition and the ever-rising cost of traditional electricity.

2. The Business Logic of "Supply-Demand Balance"

Solar air conditioning is not simply a combination of "air conditioner + solar panels." Its core advantage lies in a clever natural principle: the higher the temperature in summer and the greater the cooling demand, the stronger the solar radiation and the higher the photovoltaic power generation efficiency. This natural temporal alignment gives solar air conditioning an edge in energy efficiency that traditional air conditioners simply cannot match. Currently, the mainstream product offerings include Hybrid systems that support AC/DC mixed power supply, DC 48V off-grid systems, and others — with the technology having reached a considerable level of maturity.

3. The Unique Position of the Chinese Market

China plays a dual role in the global solar air conditioning industrial chain: it is both the largest manufacturing base and one of the most promising application markets. Regions with high solar irradiation and strong cooling demand — such as southern China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa — form the core markets for solar air conditioning. Meanwhile, the Chinese government's subsidy policies for green energy and the upgrading of building energy efficiency standards are further accelerating the expansion of this market.

III. Conclusion: Finding ERIET's Place on the Cross-Cultural Map

We have always believed that a good product is just the starting point. In China — a market full of vitality yet profoundly unique — you need to read three books at the same time: the book of technological trends, the book of policy directions, and the book of cultural psychology.

The true value of ESSCA as a business school lies precisely in equipping you with the ability to read all three books at once. From Angers to Budapest, from Paris to Shanghai, what you gain here is not just knowledge of management, but a way of thinking that transcends cultural boundaries.

Finally, I would like to close today with the words of that Italian executive: "Only by stepping away from our own — Western-centric — position can we truly unleash and ride the east wind of China's vitality."