Responsible Businesses in Asia
Student's Name
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Introduction
Industrialization and globalization require industries to keep up with technological
advancements, making technological investments key accelerators in helping countries achieve
the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)1. These UN SDGs are 17
guidelines for 193 member states to promote strategies that address social needs and build
economic growth. They provide a clear roadmap for making appropriate sustainable choices. As
a key player in the technological world, Huawei Investment & Holding Co, a private-sector
multinational conglomerate in China, recognizes the need to protect the environment through
sustainable practices2. In response to the climate change problem, Huawei Investment & Holding
Co aligns its sustainable activities to the United Nations Goal 9, which requires countries to
exploit the potential of new infrastructures, solutions, and smart technologies. It engaged in
sustainable and inclusive industrialization activities to reduce inequalities in development,
resource accessibility barriers, and the digital divide3. While its operations impede a few SDGs
like climate action, Huawei Investment & Holding Co committed itself to conserving the
environment by reducing carbon emissions and disposal of batteries4. Therefore, this paper
discusses the activities undertaken by the company as mentioned in their sustainability report,
how its location impacts company operations, the role of Huawei Investment & Holding Co's
management, recommendations for improving the company's sustainability activities, and
suggestions for other firms entering the market.
1 Fuso Nerini, Francesco, Benjamin Sovacool, Nick Hughes, Laura Cozzi, Ellie Cosgrave, Mark Howells, Massimo
Tavoni, Julia Tomei, Hisham Zerriffi, and Ben Milligan. "Connecting climate action with other Sustainable
Development Goals."<Nature Sustainability<2, no. 8 (2019): 674-680.
2 Berning, Sue Claire. "The role of multinational enterprises in achieving sustainable development-the case of
Huawei."<European Journal of Sustainable Development<8, no. 3 (2019): 194-194.
3 Moussaoui, Meroua, Emmanuel Bertin, and Noel Crespi. "Divide and Conquer: A Business Model Agenda for
Beyond-5G and 6G."<IEEE Communications Magazine<61, no. 7 (2023): 82-88.
4 Li, Tong, Li Yu, Yibo Ma, Tong Duan, Wenzhen Huang, Yan Zhou, Depeng Jin, Yong Li, and Tao Jiang. "Carbon
emissions of 5G mobile networks in China."<Nature Sustainability<(2023): 1-12.
2
Sustainable Activities undertaken by Huawei Investment & Holding Co
Huawei Investment & Holding Co, as a key player in the tech industry, has undertaken a
range of activities to develop infrastructures and technologies that promote innovation, support
sustainable industrialization, and build resilient information technology (IT) and communication
systems, as outlined in their sustainability report5. This company is committed to embedding
sustainability in its production and supply chain operations through partnerships, carbon
emissions reduction, and innovative technological solutions6. Huawei Investment & Holding Co
collaborated with the China Tower to invest in innovative technologies, including energy storage,
voltage boosting, and intelligent peak shaving7. These technologies are central to the company's
industrial innovation, and their application reflects Huawei Investment & Holding Co's
commitment to UN SDG 9. The expansion of the telecommunication infrastructure supports
mobile broadband global access. Huawei Investment & Holding Co developed intelligent energy
solutions, including lithium batteries, to achieve power supply resilience8. The lithium batteries
store and give power, ensuring communication networks run continuously9.
The innovative technologies allow for the cost-effective and vast expansion of the 5G
network infrastructure, promoting innovative solutions and sustainable infrastructure. Huawei
Investment & Holding Co exploits accurate configuration and intelligent battery management to
boost the resilience and reliability of the power supply10. It established and upgraded its internet
5 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last
modified April 9, 2019.
6 Berning, Sue Claire. "The role of multinational enterprises in achieving sustainable development-the case of
Huawei."<European Journal of Sustainable Development<8, no. 3 (2019): 194-194.
7 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
8 Darke, Walker, Marat Karatayev, and Rafał Lisiakiewicz. "Sustainable energy security for Central Asia: Exploring
the role of China and the United Nations."<Energy Reports<8 (2022): 10741-10750.
9 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
10 Deng, Haokun, and Katerina E. Aifantis. "Applications of Lithium Batteries."<Rechargeable Ion Batteries:
Materials, Design and Applications of Li‐Ion Cells and Beyond<(2023): 83-103.
3
connections across China, supporting inclusive internet access and bridging the digital divide11.
According to the case report, Huawei Investment & Holding Co and China Tower joined hands
to reduce energy costs and promote responsible consumption. In their collective efforts to
promote the maturity of the power industry, China Tower and Huawei Investment & Holding Co
verify the functions of intelligent voltage boosting12. The voltage boosting improves the power
availability in remote areas, aligning with several goals outlined by the United Nation's global
goals13. According to the selected case, Huawei Investment & Holding Co relies on intelligent
energy solutions to reduce energy wastage14.
They combat carbon emissions and save on energy consumption by introducing
intelligent features such as combined lead-acid and lithium batteries, intelligent solar access, and
upgraded power supplies15. Meanwhile, the primary sustainable activities of Huawei Investment
& Holdings Co are adopting renewable energy sources and a 5G network that utilizes smart
grids16. This network is a green technology that promotes faster detection and reporting of any
environmental leaks17. It supports the transition to green energy and reduction in power
consumption18. As mentioned in the selected case, the 5G network and its infrastructures
strengthen Huawei Investment & Holding Co to cope with climate changes and improve
equitable internet access to diverse consumers in China19. Moreover, the joint innovation
11 Berning, Sue Claire. "The role of multinational enterprises in achieving sustainable development-the case of
Huawei."<European Journal of Sustainable Development<8, no. 3 (2019): 194-194.
12 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
13 Gong, Sen, Jing Gu, and Fei Teng. "The impact of the Belt and Road Initiative investment in digital connectivity
and information and communication technologies on achieving the SDGs." (2019).
14 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
15 Wu, Sihong, Di Fan, and Yiyi Su. "The co-evolution of global legitimation and technology upgrading: The case of
Huawei."<American Business Review<24, no. 2 (2021): 8.
16 Wang et al. (2023)
17 Berning (2019), p.194.
18 Guo, Minjian, Joanna Nowakowska-Grunt, Vladimir Gorbanyov, and Maria Egorova. "Green technology and
sustainable development: Assessment and green growth frameworks."<Sustainability<12, no. 16 (2020): 6571.
19 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
4
between China Tower and Huawei Investment & Holding Co demonstrates the company's
commitment to establishing innovative infrastructure to promote inclusive industrialization and
combat climate change impacts20.
Issues and Benefits for the Communities
Huawei Investment & Holding Co plays a significant role in promoting innovation,
building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable, equitable, and inclusive industrialization,
reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving the environment21. Adopting
green technology, a 5G network, provides communities with efficient and reliable broadband
internet access for communication and education.22 It facilitates the detection and reporting of
environmental damages, necessitating urgent interventions and protecting the global community
from disasters such as diseases, economic disruptions, and calamities23. However, the
effectiveness of such technologies relies on the number of individuals accessing and utilizing
digital devices and 5G networks, which is difficult to optimize.24
While Huawei Investment & Holding Co focused on expanding the 5G network and
digital infrastructures through a joint innovation with China Tower, it failed to address the digital
divide adequately25. Huawei Investment & Holding Co's emphasis on research and development
is integrated into its corporate strategy26. The firm allocated substantial revenue to pursue
research and development to advance industrial and infrastructural innovations in China. This
20 Berning (2019), p.194.
21 Berning (2019).
22 Lee, Chuan-Kai, and Limeng Yu. "A multi-level perspective on 5G transition: The China case."<Technological
Forecasting and Social Change<182 (2022): 121812.
23 Guo, Chengzhang. "Huawei within a Challenging Environment."<Academic Journal of Business & Management<4,
no. 17 (2022): 63-71.
24 Darke, Walker, Marat Karatayev, and Rafał Lisiakiewicz. "Sustainable energy security for Central Asia: Exploring
the role of China and the United Nations."<Energy Reports<8 (2022): 10741-10750.
25 Guo, Jin, Lei Wang, Wenji Zhou, and Chu Wei. "Powering green digitalization: evidence from 5G network
infrastructure in China."<Resources, Conservation and Recycling<182 (2022): 106286.
26 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
5
commitment to research and development sought to promote inclusive and sustainable
communication infrastructure for the Chinese residents27. Investing in research and development
and collaborating with organizations like the China Tower made the country and company
leaders in the tech industry promote innovation and sustainable industrialization28. Meanwhile,
the industry's pioneering task in developing and deploying the 5G technology is a key driver of
resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization in China29.
The deployment and utilization of the 5G technology promoted by Huawei Investment
and Holding Co to build resilient infrastructures have significant environmental impacts30. One
of the primary issues associated with the 5G technology is its energy consumption. The
infrastructures, such as data and small cells meant for the 5G network, require substantial
energy31. Consequently, increased energy use contributes to significant greenhouse gas emissions
that cause climate change and health complications for Chinese residents32. Another concern
associated with the company's technological advancements is increased electronic waste33. As
older electronic devices and network equipment become obsolete, their disposal damages the
environment. The 5G network equipment and other infrastructures like antennas, cell towers, and
data centres utilized vast land, affecting biodiversity and the local ecosystem in the construction
areas34.
27 Guo, Minjian, Joanna Nowakowska-Grunt, Vladimir Gorbanyov, and Maria Egorova. "Green technology and
sustainable development: Assessment and green growth frameworks."<Sustainability<12, no. 16 (2020): 6571.
28 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
29 Lee, Chuan-Kai, and Limeng Yu. "A multi-level perspective on 5G transition: The China case."<Technological
Forecasting and Social Change<182 (2022): 121812.
30 Guo, Chengzhang. "Huawei within a Challenging Environment."<Academic Journal of Business & Management<4,
no. 17 (2022): 63-71.
31 Guo et al. (2022).
32 Zhao, He, Qin Heng Zhao, and Beata Ślusarczyk. "Sustainability and digitalization of corporate management
based on augmented/virtual reality tools usage: China and other world IT companies’ experience."<Sustainability<11,
no. 17 (2019): 4717.
33 Darke, Walker, Marat Karatayev, and Rafał Lisiakiewicz. "Sustainable energy security for Central Asia: Exploring
the role of China and the United Nations."<Energy Reports<8 (2022): 10741-10750.
34 Guo, Jin, Lei Wang, Wenji Zhou, and Chu Wei. "Powering green digitalization: evidence from 5G network
infrastructure in China."<Resources, Conservation and Recycling<182 (2022): 106286.
6
Most importantly, communication devices, antennas, and cell towers rely on metals
whose extraction affects habitats and causes land degradation35. The selected case features how
Huawei Investment & Holding Co collaborated with China Tower to deploy innovative and
efficient technologies. These innovations have the potential to drive China's economic
development36. They help businesses, organizations, and industries to run efficiently. The
community benefits from fast internet connectivity through the 5G technology and the Road and
Belt Initiative37. According to Guo et al. (2022), the 5G technology fueled numerous innovative
applications, including the Internet of Things and virtual reality, improving efficiency and quality
of life across diverse communities in China38. Education and healthcare services exploit the 5G
technology to improve healthcare service to patients in Chinese healthcare facilities.
For instance, telemedicine, remote medical consultations, and e-learning became more
accessible and efficient with reliable and extensive 5G connectivity in China. The local
communities in China benefit from internet access facilitated by the extensive 5G connectivity39.
Also, frontier technologies such as the 5G network and big data have huge potential for
protecting the planet and improving people's lives. For instance, extensive connectivity to the 5G
technology fosters access to quality education. These activities ensure students from diverse
backgrounds access quality education. Other technologies like big data helped in screening
patents and tracking infection risks, improving the health status of communities in China40.
35 Guo, Chengzhang. "Huawei within a Challenging Environment."<Academic Journal of Business & Management<4,
no. 17 (2022): 63-71.
36 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
37 Gong, Sen, Jing Gu, and Fei Teng. "The impact of the Belt and Road Initiative investment in digital connectivity
and information and communication technologies on achieving the SDGs." (2019).
38 Guo (2022).
39 Gong et al. (2019).
40 Darke, Walker, Marat Karatayev, and Rafał Lisiakiewicz. "Sustainable energy security for Central Asia: Exploring
the role of China and the United Nations."<Energy Reports<8 (2022): 10741-10750.
7
However, concerns about the impact of electromagnetic radiation on health threaten the safety of
communities41.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Huawei Investment & Holding Co's sustainable activities feature various facets of the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). For instance, deploying or
exploiting the 5G technology affects UN SDG 9, 12, and 13. The impact of this technology
aligns with UN SDG 9 by fostering sustainable industrialization, building resilient infrastructure,
and promoting innovation42. The overall impact is the creation of sustainable communities and
cities, as highlighted by the UN SDG 1143. Similarly, waste management techniques such as
reusing and refurbishing components to reduce electronic waste affect the UN SDG 13, climate
action, by reducing landfills, which could cause health problems to communities44. Additionally,
the enterprise monitors electromagnetic radiation to ensure it remains within limits as stated in
international safety standards. The efforts to increase energy efficiency and develop intelligent
energy storage devices like lithium batteries support the UN SDG 12, which requires firms to
engage in responsible consumption and production practices that reduce their ecological
footprints45. This initiative promotes energy conservation, aligning with the UN SDG 11, which
supports the efficient use of resources and natural heritage protection46.
41 Gong, Yuan, Xiaoqi Guo, Qiuxin Liu, Yifei Long, and Yangwei Li. "Monitoring and analysis of the current
environmental situation of electromagnetic radiation from 5g application base stations." In<Journal of Physics:
Conference Series, vol. 2242, no. 1, p. 012026. IOP Publishing, 2022.
42 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
43 Fuso Nerini, Francesco, Benjamin Sovacool, Nick Hughes, Laura Cozzi, Ellie Cosgrave, Mark Howells, Massimo
Tavoni, Julia Tomei, Hisham Zerriffi, and Ben Milligan. "Connecting climate action with other Sustainable
Development Goals."<Nature Sustainability<2, no. 8 (2019): 674-680.
44 Berning, Sue Claire. "The role of multinational enterprises in achieving sustainable development-the case of
Huawei."<European Journal of Sustainable Development<8, no. 3 (2019): 194-194.
45 Zhang, Xiaodong, Philippe Ciais, Xiaohu Jian, Xinrui Liu, Rong Wang, Kaijie Chen, Yufei Huang et al. "The
carbon footprint response to projected base stations of China's 5G mobile network."<Science of The Total
Environment<870 (2023): 161906.
46 Berning, Sue Claire. "The role of multinational enterprises in achieving sustainable development-the case of
Huawei."<European Journal of Sustainable Development<8, no. 3 (2019): 194-194.
8
Intelligent energy storage solutions deployed by the joint innovation team promote
energy efficiency, and the development of energy storage devices agrees with the UN SDG 7,
which advocates for affordable and clean energy47. Similarly, this sustainable measure supports
UN SDG 11, which deals with creating sustainable cities and communities48. The industry's
energy optimization objectives, particularly the intelligent voltage boosting and enemy storage
used to optimize energy efficiencies and costs, align with responsible production and
consumption goals, clean and low-cost energy, and climate action49. In addition, Huawei
Investment & Holding Co's operations prompt various goals described by the United Nations
SDGs. For instance, the transition from non-renewable to green energy sources and the
exploitation of energy storage solutions prompted the UN SDG 750.
This goal requires countries to provide industries, communities, and businesses with
affordable and clean energy. It also captures the UN SDG 13, which aims to combat climate
change's devastating impacts by containing electromagnetic radiation within minimal ranges51.
Despite confirming multiple UN SDGs, the company's activities do not support a few UN SDGs.
For instance, the 5G infrastructure emits electromagnetic radiation, raising concerns about
surrounding communities' health52. This challenge impedes the attainment of UN SDG 3, which
requires countries to promote well-being for all ages53. Additionally, installing 5G infrastructures
47 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
48 Fuso Nerini, Francesco, Benjamin Sovacool, Nick Hughes, Laura Cozzi, Ellie Cosgrave, Mark Howells, Massimo
Tavoni, Julia Tomei, Hisham Zerriffi, and Ben Milligan. "Connecting climate action with other Sustainable
Development Goals."<Nature Sustainability<2, no. 8 (2019): 674-680.
49 Darke, Walker, Marat Karatayev, and Rafał Lisiakiewicz. "Sustainable energy security for Central Asia: Exploring
the role of China and the United Nations."<Energy Reports<8 (2022): 10741-10750.
50 China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions, 2019.
51 Fuso Nerini, Francesco, Benjamin Sovacool, Nick Hughes, Laura Cozzi, Ellie Cosgrave, Mark Howells, Massimo
Tavoni, Julia Tomei, Hisham Zerriffi, and Ben Milligan. "Connecting climate action with other Sustainable
Development Goals."<Nature Sustainability<2, no. 8 (2019): 674-680.
52 Gong, Yuan, Xiaoqi Guo, Qiuxin Liu, Yifei Long, and Yangwei Li. "Monitoring and analysis of the current
environmental situation of electromagnetic radiation from 5g application base stations." In<Journal of Physics:
Conference Series, vol. 2242, no. 1, p. 012026. IOP Publishing, 2022.
53 Fuso Nerini, Francesco, Benjamin Sovacool, Nick Hughes, Laura Cozzi, Ellie Cosgrave, Mark Howells, Massimo
Tavoni, Julia Tomei, Hisham Zerriffi, and Ben Milligan. "Connecting climate action with other Sustainable
9
such as antennas and cell towers disrupts wildlife habitats and local ecosystems, potentially
impacting biodiversity54. These activities do not halt biodiversity loss as stipulated by the UN
SDG 15.
Role of Context/Location
The location of Huawei Investment & Holding Co in the Asian country, China, had
profound economic, political, social, and environmental impacts on its sustainable operations55. It
is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, a country with significant economic development over the
past few years. The rapid economic development provided Huawei Investment & Holding Co
with a supportive business environment and advanced infrastructure for innovation, research and
development, and industrial expansion56. The Asian markets, particularly China, allowed Huawei
Investment & Holding Co to establish a global supply chain network. This region has different
consumer preferences and economic conditions57. The market demand for sustainable and eco-
friendly products inclined the company to focus on sustainability initiatives58. The high cost of
non-renewable energy in these regions and incentives provided for firms using renewable energy
sources made Huawei Investment & Holding Co invest in pursuing a joint innovation test on
energy solutions aligned with climate action and sustainable consumption and production goals,
as highlighted in the UN SDGs59.
Development Goals."<Nature Sustainability<2, no. 8 (2019): 674-680.
54 Guo, Jin, Lei Wang, Wenji Zhou, and Chu Wei. "Powering green digitalization: evidence from 5G network
infrastructure in China."<Resources, Conservation and Recycling<182 (2022): 106286.
55 Guo, Chengzhang. "Huawei within a Challenging Environment."<Academic Journal of Business & Management<4,
no. 17 (2022): 63-71.
56 Zhao, He, Qin Heng Zhao, and Beata Ślusarczyk. "Sustainability and digitalization of corporate management
based on augmented/virtual reality tools usage: China and other world IT companies’ experience."<Sustainability<11,
no. 17 (2019): 4717.
57 Guo, (2022), p.67.
58 Banik, Dan, and Ka Lin. "Business and morals: Corporate strategies for sustainable development in
China."<Business and Politics<21, no. 4 (2019): 514-539.
59 Guo, Chengzhang. "Huawei within a Challenging Environment."<Academic Journal of Business & Management<4,
no. 17 (2022): 63-71.
10
The Asian countries engage in climate action partnerships with other nations to combat
climate change's negative impacts. These collective efforts require businesses and industries to
engage in sustainable production to manage waste and conserve emissions. Therefore,
government incentives and energy costs led the company to abandon innovative solutions and 5G
technologies to promote efficient use of energy resources60. Moreover, environmental policies
and laws protect the environment from destruction by waste heat, electromagnetic radiation, and
landfills. Compliance with these regulations made the company adopt sustainable practices.
Additionally, initiatives like the joint innovation test involve creating partnerships responsible for
sustainable development. This activity aligns with the UN SDG 17, which advocates for global
collaborations for sustainable growth61. Consumer awareness and demand for eco-friendly
products impacted the production preferences of Huawei Investment & Holding Co as a
consumer-oriented enterprise62.
Its efforts to use renewable energy, develop energy-efficient solutions, recycled and
recyclable materials, and environmentally responsible materials are solutions tailored to meet
consumer preferences in China63. The company's location in Shenzhen, China, provided access to
a vast pool of skilled engineers, technologists, and scientists at competitive costs. Access to
resources and partnerships helped the firm advance its operations and exploit innovative energy
solutions64. The country's massive consumer base enabled Huawei Investment & Holding Co to
60 Guo, (2022), p.69.
61 Fuso Nerini, Francesco, Benjamin Sovacool, Nick Hughes, Laura Cozzi, Ellie Cosgrave, Mark Howells, Massimo
Tavoni, Julia Tomei, Hisham Zerriffi, and Ben Milligan. "Connecting climate action with other Sustainable
Development Goals."<Nature Sustainability<2, no. 8 (2019): 674-680.
62 Berning, Sue Claire. "The role of multinational enterprises in achieving sustainable development-the case of
Huawei."<European Journal of Sustainable Development<8, no. 3 (2019): 194-194.
63 Fuso Nerini, Francesco, Benjamin Sovacool, Nick Hughes, Laura Cozzi, Ellie Cosgrave, Mark Howells, Massimo
Tavoni, Julia Tomei, Hisham Zerriffi, and Ben Milligan. "Connecting climate action with other Sustainable
Development Goals."<Nature Sustainability<2, no. 8 (2019): 674-680.
64 Wang, Juntian, Weimin Zhang, and Ziwei Jia. "Energy management with VR/AR technology in 5G learning
factory."<AR technology in 5G learning factory (June 5, 2023)<(2023).
11
test and deploy the 5G technology and its infrastructures65. This large consumer base included
the corporation to build sustainable infrastructure and back up their power supply using
intelligent energy solutions. China provided Huawei Investment & Holding Co with research
organizations and favorable regulations for industrialization66. This location facilitated
collaborative research, where the company established joint research with the China Tower67.
Role of the Leader
Huawei Investment & Holding Co is recognized for its hierarchal corporate governance,
with legislative and executive priorities and duties delegated based on group rankings68. Its
management framework is crucial in guiding the company's sustainable activities. At the top is
the board of directors, making major operational decisions and overseeing the firm's
sustainability activities. These individuals are responsible for operations management, corporate
strategy, and customer satisfaction. According to Wu et al. (2020), Huawei Investment &
Holding Co works with four integrated sectors: Information technology, cloud services, Telecom
networks, and Smart devices69. The leaders support developing environmentally responsible
consumer electronics such as energy-efficient batteries, 5G networks, and medical and health
equipment70. The key elements of Huawei Investment & Holding Co's organizational structure
include global presence, rotating chief executive officer model, research and development, and
business units. This enterprise follows a rotating model where executives take turns holding the
65 Guo, Jin, Lei Wang, Wenji Zhou, and Chu Wei. "Powering green digitalization: evidence from 5G network
infrastructure in China."<Resources, Conservation and Recycling<182 (2022): 106286.
66 Guo, Chengzhang. "Huawei within a Challenging Environment."<Academic Journal of Business & Management<4,
no. 17 (2022): 63-71.
67 Guo, (2022), p.64.
68 Wu, Xiaobo, Johann Peter Murmann, Can Huang, and Bin Guo.<The Transformation of Huawei: From Humble
Beginnings to Global Leadership. Cambridge University Press, 2020.
69 Wu, Xiaobo, Johann Peter Murmann, Can Huang, and Bin Guo.<The Transformation of Huawei: From Humble
Beginnings to Global Leadership. Cambridge University Press, 2020.
70 Berning, Sue Claire. "The role of multinational enterprises in achieving sustainable development-the case of
Huawei."<European Journal of Sustainable Development<8, no. 3 (2019): 194-194.
12
principal administrative position every six months71. It has subsidiaries and regional offices in
different countries that offer a degree of autonomy for serving in the Chinese markets72.
The board of directors monitors organizational performance and sets directions for
sustainability leadership. They establish partnerships with the government and create policies
conforming to a country's sustainability measures. In 2019, Huawei Investment & Holding Co, in
collaboration with the China Tower, conducted a joint innovation test to evaluate the
effectiveness of the 5G technologies and intelligent energy solutions73. The Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) committee helps the company foster innovation through sustainable
practices by adopting solutions such as green 5G technology and artificial intelligence74. The
heads of the Employee Relationship Department monitor the workers and conduct performance
appraisals, providing employees with remarks75. This role ensures that the company adheres to
instructions from the top executives. The chief executive officer and board of directors
established partnerships with governments and stakeholders to support and pursue the UN SDGs.
The Employee Health and Safety Implementation Department trains workers about sustainable
production and waste management, influencing the company's sustainability activities76. The
Energy Saving and Emissions Reduction Management department supports innovation by
implementing energy-saving solutions and a green 5G network to reduce greenhouse gas
71 Wu et al. (2020).
72 Banik, Dan, and Ka Lin. "Business and morals: Corporate strategies for sustainable development in
China."<Business and Politics<21, no. 4 (2019): 514-539.
73 "China Tower and Huawei Conduct Joint Innovation Test on Intelligent Energy Solutions." Huawei. Last modified
April 9, 2019.
74 Yu, Yubing, Jiawei Xu, Baofeng Huo, Justin Zuopeng Zhang, and Yanhong Cao. "The impact of supply chain
social responsibility on sustainable performance."<Journal of Cleaner Production<385 (2023): 135666.
75 Wu et al. (2020).
76 Banik, Dan, and Ka Lin. "Business and morals: Corporate strategies for sustainable development in
China."<Business and Politics<21, no. 4 (2019): 514-539.
13
emissions and distribute energy-efficient appliances77. These roles have influenced Huawei
Investment & Holding Co's actions and dedication to addressing climate change.
Recommendations
Sustainability Recommendations for Huawei Investment & Holding Co
Although Huawei Investment & Holding Co has made significant strides in improving
energy efficiency in the telecommunication sector, it should have stricter policies and significant
innovation to manage electronic wastes and the impact of electromagnetic radiation from its 5G
infrastructures78. The company should implement a radiation capture technology to address its
primary source of electromagnetic radiation emissions and promote environmental safety79. The
company's sustainability efforts focus on sustainable activities involved in production and
neglect the impact of extracting raw materials such as metals. For this reason, the enterprise
should prioritize sustainable material sourcing by focusing on responsible mining practices80.
Additionally, the industry should invest in sound reduction technologies to protect the local
communities' interests and the peace of mind of local communities81. Huawei Investment &
Holding Co should establish a recycling system for discarded and old batteries and deploy green
technologies like SmartThings across multiple products to reduce energy costs, promoting the
UN SDG 7 involving clean and affordable energy82.
Recommendations for Companies Planning Entry
77 Gong, Sen, Jing Gu, and Fei Teng. "The impact of the Belt and Road Initiative investment in digital connectivity
and information and communication technologies on achieving the SDGs." (2019).
78 Gong, Yuan, Xiaoqi Guo, Qiuxin Liu, Yifei Long, and Yangwei Li. "Monitoring and analysis of the current
environmental situation of electromagnetic radiation from 5g application base stations." In<Journal of Physics:
Conference Series, vol. 2242, no. 1, p. 012026. IOP Publishing, 2022.
79 Gong et al. (2022).
80 Fuso Nerini, Francesco, Benjamin Sovacool, Nick Hughes, Laura Cozzi, Ellie Cosgrave, Mark Howells, Massimo
Tavoni, Julia Tomei, Hisham Zerriffi, and Ben Milligan. "Connecting climate action with other Sustainable
Development Goals."<Nature Sustainability<2, no. 8 (2019): 677.
81 Xi, Weidong. "Analysis of Huawei's International Marketing Strategy Based on the SWOT Analysis." In<2021 2nd
International Conference on E-Commerce and Internet Technology (ECIT), pp. 152. IEEE, 2021.
82 Gong, Sen, Jing Gu, and Fei Teng. "The impact of the Belt and Road Initiative investment in digital connectivity
and information and communication technologies on achieving the SDGs." (2019).
14
Companies interested in entering the Chinese markets should conduct research and
understand the sustainable opportunities and challenges in the region83. They should understand
consumer preferences and interests and align their goals with the national and global SDGs. It is
worth noting that climate change is a problem that countries strive to address through
sustainability activities. Therefore, companies entering the Chinese markets should collaborate
with organizations and local communities to ensure compliance with SGD84. They should invest
in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy. Additionally, employee training will
help companies entering Chinese markets to achieve sustainability goals85.
83 Xi (2021), p. 153.
84 Berning, Sue Claire. "The role of multinational enterprises in achieving sustainable development-the case of
Huawei."<European Journal of Sustainable Development<8, no. 3 (2019): 194-194.
85Fuso Nerini et al. (2019), p.678).
15
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