Huawei aligns with SDGs to achieve differentiation and competitive advantage in the smartphone industry

Recent years have witnessed a growing intensity of competition in business. Aligning an organisations’ differentiation strategy with the SDGs not only contributes to a sustainable future but also brings tangible benefits such as market growth and competitive advantage. The case study focuses on Huawei and SDG initiatives. Founded in 1987, Huawei has emerged as one of the leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smartphone devices. With 194,000 employees operating in over 170 countries. By incorporating specific sustainable development goals (SDGs) relevant to the smartphone industry, Huawei has differentiated itself in line with Porter’s generic strategies for growth, with particular emphasis on differentiation as a strategy for growth to create a unique identity in the smartphone industry. The case study explains Porter’s generic strategies for growth, with particular emphasis on differentiation as a strategy for growth. The case then goes on to explore how Huawei’s differentiation strategy aligns with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, through the SDGs adopted in 2015, to drive sustainable competitive advantage in the smartphone industry. In addition, the case study explores how Huawei contributes to specific SDGs to drive innovation in the telecommunications sector as well as strengthened their market position as industry innovators and achieved sustainable competitive advantage in the smartphone industry both in China and globally. The case study suggests that businesses should consider aligning the SDGs in their strategic planning to inspire change, create a positive impact on the environment and most importantly achieve market growth and drive sustainable competitive advantage. Finally, the case study provides questions that encourages students to engage in critical thinking to demonstrate how the Porter’s generic strategies model is applied in real life situations in the context of Huawei and its SDG initiatives to achieve competitive advantage in the smartphone industry.