Shanghai – October 12, 2026 -- Forty-two multinational executives from 14 countries told Shanghai to use artificial intelligence to link services with manufacturing and consumption, at the 38th meeting of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai (IBLAC) on Oct. 11.
The session was held under the theme of innovation-driven development of the service sector. IBLAC was initiated in 1989 and now serves as a think tank for Shanghai mayors.
PwC chairman points to Shanghai's industrial base and Yangtze River Delta ties
Mohamed Kande, global chairman of PwC, cited Shanghai's strong industrial base, close links with the Yangtze River Delta region and mature service industry as advantages. He urged the city to connect technologies, research and capital with international service providers to address real-economy challenges.
S4 Capital's Sorrell calls for data-flow and rule alignment
Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital and former IBLAC chairman, said AI's role in global services is shifting from an efficiency tool to a "value-chain restructurer". He called on Shanghai to align with international rules, facilitate data flow, open more application scenarios and build a more talent-friendly ecosystem.
Hillhouse's Zhang Lei wants more operational scenarios opened to AI
Zhang Lei, founder and chairman of Hillhouse Investment, said Shanghai should focus on real AI deployment and open more key scenarios that affect company operations. He proposed cultivating forward-deployed engineers and professional service firms that understand both AI and industry, so that applications tested in China can go global from Shanghai.
Intuitive Surgical and L'Oreal chiefs outline sector-specific uses
Gary S. Guthart, executive chair of Intuitive Surgical, said Shanghai could pilot high-quality datasets for robot-assisted surgery and test secure medical data-sharing methods. He said a "Shanghai model" for responsible medical data use could be replicated nationwide.
Jean-Paul Agon, chairman of L'Oreal Group, said AI can deliver tailor-made products by connecting online and offline shopping. He added that Shanghai should improve its business ecosystem to become a hub connecting global innovation rules.