A fresh, research-based look at
how companies can better compete with tech giants, on their own terms

A blueprint for
uncovering your company’s hidden strengths

Taking readers on a global journey, Zhu and Cao showcase a variety of companies and illustrate how companies identify their path for growth in the digital age by leveraging their unique capabilities. The book will help you spark innovative solutions and capabilities—including new products, services, strategies, and advantages—that mere imitation could never provide.

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Praise for Smart Rivals

In “Smart Rivals” Feng Zhu and Bonnie Cao masterfully capture what it takes for innovative companies to thrive in a marketplace dominated by tech giants. Their strategic frameworks and real-world examples are a treasure trove for any organization aiming to survive and thrive despite the odds. Whether you’re an established player being disrupted or are yourself a startup, Zhu and Cao will provide you with crucial insights into how companies can rally their people, purpose, and strengths to outwit seemingly unstoppable competition.

Hubert Joly

Former Chairman and CEO, Best Buy; author, The Heart of Business

“Smart Rivals” is an essential playbook for traditional businesses navigating the digital age, offering concise insights and actionable strategies to thrive amidst technological disruption. A must-read for any business leader seeking to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced marketplace.

Mo Abudu
Founder and CEO, EbonyLife Media; philanthropist

With rigorous research and real-world examples, the authors brilliantly map out the terrain that will allow traditional businesses to thrive in the digital age.

Marco Iansiti

David Sarnoff Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School; coauthor, Competing in the Age of AI

Smart Rivals is a fascinating read, revealing how businesses can leverage their unique advantages to thrive in an era of constant technological change. Highlighting the importance of digital transformation, including the rise of AI, as a blessing rather than a curse, Feng Zhu and Bonnie Cao have written a powerful guide for business and government leaders alike.

Makan Delrahim

Former Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, US Department of Justice

Smart Rivals fast-forwards traditional strategy to today’s battle with the tech giants. It’s the new playbook for this new competition!

Kathleen M. Eisenhardt

Stanford W. Ascherman MD Professor, Stanford University; coauthor, Simple Rules

A groundbreaking work that reimagines the role of traditional companies in the digital era. This book is a must-read for every manager competing in the digital economy.

D. Daniel Sokol

Carolyn Craig Franklin Chair in Law and Business, USC Gould School of Law

Smart Rivals

Meet The Authors

Feng Zhu

MBA Class of 1958 Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, is an expert on platform strategy, digital transformation, and innovation. He codirects the Platform Lab at the Digital, Data, and Design Institute at Harvard and serves as the co-chair of the Harvard Business Analytics Program.

Bonnie Cao

Is an award-winning former journalist for Bloomberg News. She has written extensively about companies in tech and traditional industries in the U.S. and emerging markets. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Business Administration at Harvard Business School.

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