Ebrun Officially Launches 'In-Depth Interviews with Leading Enterprises in Data Factor Competitiveness 2026'

I. Project Background and Core Value

The year 2026 has been designated by the National Data Administration as the 'Year of Unleashing Data Factor Value.' As institutional breakthroughs, such as the inclusion of data assets in financial statements, move into deeper practical implementation, and with the acceleration of technologies like generative AI, the evolutionary path of data factors—from 'resource' to 'asset' and then to 'capital'—is becoming increasingly clear. Building robust data factor competitiveness has become an essential task for enterprises seeking to establish core advantages in the AI era. Currently, a cohort of pioneering companies has already undertaken effective explorations, accumulating valuable experience and models in strategy, governance, operations, application, and value realization. Systematically mining, organizing, and documenting these first-hand practices from the 'front-runners,' and disseminating and establishing replicable benchmarks, holds significant theoretical value and practical guidance for outlining the true landscape of China's data factor utilization process, revealing key success factors, and providing actionable navigation for the broader business community. To this end, Ebrun Think Tank plans to initiate the '2026 In-Depth Interviews with Leading Enterprises in Data Factor Competitiveness' project, aiming to produce landmark findings through precise, in-depth qualitative research, establish industry benchmarks, and guide industrial direction.

II. Project Objectives

The Ebrun Think Tank's '2026 In-Depth Interviews with Leading Enterprises in Data Factor Competitiveness' project has four main objectives:

1. Benchmark Identification and Case Documentation: Select and conduct in-depth interviews with 50 enterprises nationwide that are representative, leading, and innovative in building data factor competitiveness.

2. Model Extraction and Mapping: Systematically summarize successful models, core methodologies, key challenges, and solutions for enterprises building data competitiveness, and create an 'Enterprise Data Factor Competitiveness Evolution Map.'

3. Trend Release and Standard Guidance: Publish the '2026 Report on the Development of Chinese Enterprises' Data Factor Competitiveness,' extracting industry trends to provide references for policy formulation, industrial investment, and corporate practice, thereby guiding the healthy development of the industry.

4. Ecosystem Connection and Value Enablement: Build a high-end communication platform involving 'leading enterprises - think tank - ecosystem partners' in the data factor field to promote knowledge sharing and business collaboration.

III. Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Preparation and Selection (January - February 2026)

- Establish a dedicated team: Form a core project team comprising a Research Director, Senior Analysts, and Outreach Specialists.

- Develop selection criteria: Establish enterprise selection criteria and a scoring system covering four dimensions: 'Strategic Foresight,' 'Advanced Practice,' 'Measurable Value,' and 'Industry Representativeness.'

- Initiate nominations and invitations: Create an initial pool of 200 candidate enterprises through Ebrun's proprietary database, industry associations, expert recommendations, and public information screening, and send formal interview invitations.

- Finalize the list: Communicate with target enterprises to confirm interview intentions and arrangements, ultimately locking in 50 enterprises for interviews.

Phase 2: In-Depth Interviews and Research (March - May 2026)

- Interview execution: Project researchers will conduct high-level interviews, lasting approximately 90-120 minutes each, either offline or online via meetings, visiting the enterprises.

- Data collection: Concurrently collect public materials and case documents (anonymized) from the enterprises as supplementary research material.

- Process recording and organization: Record interviews (with permission) and complete interview summaries and verification within 48 hours after each interview.

Phase 3: Analysis and Report Writing (June - August 2026)

- Data coding and analysis: Perform structured coding on all interview transcripts and materials, using thematic analysis to extract common patterns and differentiating characteristics.

- Core report writing: Draft the main '2026 Report on the Development of Chinese Enterprises' Data Factor Competitiveness.'

- Case study compilation: Select 20-30 of the most representative in-depth cases and compile them into a collection.

- Internal review and revision: Complete internal review and finalize the report.

Phase 4: Release and Dissemination (September - December 2026)

- Summit forum release: Plan to officially release the research findings at the main forums of the '2026 Enterprise Data Factor Competitiveness Conference' and the '2026 Industrial Internet Annual Conference.'

- Omni-media dissemination: Conduct a series of reports and interpretations through Ebrun Power Network, official WeChat accounts, and authoritative financial and technology media.

- Targeted distribution: Distribute an executive summary of the report to relevant policy departments, investment institutions, industry associations, and a wide range of enterprises.

IV. Interviewees and Methodology

Primary Interviewees: The highest-level decision-makers or core drivers responsible for the enterprise's data strategy. Priority is given to: CEO, President > Chief Data Officer (CDO) > Chief Information Officer (CIO)/Chief Technology Officer (CTO) > Vice President/Deputy General Manager overseeing digital transformation.

Supplementary Interviewees: Depending on the situation, invite data platform leaders or business unit heads for brief discussions to gain a more comprehensive perspective.

Interview Format: Primarily one-on-one in-depth interviews, with a small number potentially being one-on-two (with two key responsible persons). Interviews will preferably be conducted face-to-face, but video conferencing is also acceptable.

Commitment and Confidentiality: Commit that all interview content will be used solely for project research. Any case references in the report will be subject to prior written consent from the enterprise and will be anonymized.

V. Project Deliverables

1. Core Report: '2026 Report on the Development of Chinese Enterprises' Data Factor Competitiveness' (Chinese and English versions).

2. In-Depth Case Collection: 'Pioneers in Data Factor Valorization: Selected Practice Cases from Chinese Enterprises.'

3. Impact Articles: Publish no less than 20 series of interpretative articles in mainstream media and across all Ebrun platforms.

4. Summit and Forums: Host high-level roundtable dialogues at the release event, inviting representatives from leading enterprises to discuss the future.

5. Data Competitiveness Evaluation Model (Potential Deliverable): Based on the research findings, develop a publicly usable self-assessment model for enterprise data competitiveness.

Project Inquiry:

Huang Bin, Deputy Director, Ebrun Think Tank Research Institute, 18601253158, huangbin@ebrun.com