Core Insights - The article emphasizes the hidden rules and strategies that shape the academic journey of PhD students, particularly focusing on the importance of institutional reputation, mentorship, and strategic research choices [5][12][53]. Group 1: Academic Hierarchy and Networking - The academic landscape is influenced by a "prestige hierarchy," where the reputation of the institution and the mentor significantly impact career opportunities [5][6]. - A study highlighted that a few elite universities dominate the hiring network in computer science, indicating a closed academic pipeline that favors graduates from top institutions [8]. Group 2: Strategic Research Choices - PhD students are advised to avoid direct competition with top-tier teams in popular research areas and instead carve out a niche by focusing on less crowded topics [11]. - The concept of "scooping" is introduced, where researchers fear their ideas may be taken by others, suggesting the need for unique research spaces [11]. Group 3: Performance Metrics and Publication Strategy - The article discusses the anxiety surrounding academic metrics, particularly the importance of citation trends over sheer volume, with a preference for a "hockey stick" growth pattern in citations [12][14]. - The significance of producing high-impact papers is emphasized, as one influential paper can greatly enhance a researcher's career trajectory [18][22]. Group 4: Proactive Engagement and Visibility - PhD students are encouraged to take initiative in their academic relationships, actively seeking feedback and clarifying their goals with mentors [23][26]. - Increasing academic visibility through presentations and community engagement is crucial for establishing a professional reputation [31][36]. Group 5: Community Building and Service - Academic service should be viewed as an opportunity to build a supportive community rather than a mere obligation, with examples of initiatives that foster collaboration among early-career researchers [34][36]. Group 6: Mindset and Resilience - The article addresses the common feeling of "Imposter Syndrome" among PhD students, suggesting that a shift in perspective can help overcome self-doubt [41][44]. - Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a long-term view of the PhD journey, the article advocates for a focus on inputs such as clarity of research questions and community involvement [46][54].

Core Viewpoint - Company focuses on a three-in-one development engine of "supermarket + asset leasing + management output" centered around physical stores, covering regions such as Hainan, Guangdong, Shaanxi, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Jilin [1] Group 1: Business Operations - The company continues to optimize its business model in response to new consumption trends, with the supermarket chain segment centered on Shun Kelong, leveraging the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area policies [1] - Aiming to build an ecosystem of "fresh direct procurement + instant retail + community services" through "regional deep cultivation + scenario innovation" to create an omnichannel network [1] - The company utilizes digital and AI technologies to enhance the "online ordering + community self-pickup" model, deepening cooperation with Meituan and JD Daojia for improved short-distance delivery efficiency [1] Group 2: Real Estate Projects - The commercial real estate projects focus on the trend of consumption upgrades, with innovations in business formats to stimulate revenue, such as the Changchun project which creates a "night economy complex" led by entertainment, supplemented by e-commerce and specialty dining [1] - The company emphasizes the operation of industrial properties in major national and regional center cities, focusing on "commercial operation + urban integration" to create a smart, high-value-added industrial ecosystem [1] Group 3: Brand Development - The company operates the Xingyue MALL, a dual-use underground commercial space that integrates shopping and leisure with national defense emergency functions, participating in urban safety system construction [1] - During the reporting period, the total foot traffic in the operated Xingyue MALL districts increased by 11% year-on-year, with key stores in Zunyi, Guiyang, Panzhihua, and Yining successfully established [1] - In brand output, the company signs light-asset projects using the "TOD + dual-use" standardized model to expand the "Xingyue MALL" brand, generating revenue from commercial operations [1]

Core Insights - The future five years will see the emergence of "dark horses" in China's service consumption market driven by demographic changes, technological innovations, and precise policy guidance [1] - From 2020 to 2024, China's service consumption expenditure is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 9.6%, with a 5.2% year-on-year increase in service retail sales from January to July this year [1] - The service sector's contribution to the national economy has been increasing, with an average value-added share of 54.6% over the past decade, indicating a shift towards a service-oriented economy [1] Industry Analysis - The shift in consumer behavior reflects a transition from material goods to higher-quality life experiences, with surging demand in tourism, culture, and health services [1] - Multinational companies have significant opportunities in China's market, particularly in high-end medical, financial services, and digital entertainment sectors [1][2] - The service consumption landscape is evolving, with growth in smart health, community services, and AI-integrated services expected to drive further industry upgrades [3] Market Opportunities - The pet economy is transitioning from product consumption to service upgrades, with the market expected to exceed 100 billion RMB by 2025 [3] - The ongoing China International Service Trade Fair serves as a platform for global companies to share opportunities, attracting nearly 2,000 exhibitors, including around 500 Fortune 500 companies [3] - The fair promotes deep integration of industrial chains, innovation chains, and service chains, aiming to expand international market space and enhance global service trade certainty [3]

Group 1 - The establishment of the "Dandelion" community factory in Baoji City provides an income-generating space for 120 community residents through free crochet skill training in collaboration with a local cultural and creative company [1] - The community factory primarily serves retired workers, young mothers, and special groups, reflecting a targeted approach to community engagement and skill development [1] - Baoji City has created various supportive platforms for different social groups, including elderly care, child care, and educational initiatives, to enhance community welfare [1] Group 2 - The "Labor Rights Protection Knowledge Lecture" held in the Qinchuan District aims to educate new employment groups and merchants about their rights, addressing issues like wage arrears [2] - The community and local businesses collaborate to provide services and training for new employment groups, enhancing their knowledge and skills [2] - The community has successfully recovered 140,000 yuan in unpaid wages for workers in the business district, demonstrating effective advocacy for labor rights [3] Group 3 - The establishment of a community "discussion hall" allows residents to resolve disputes, such as compensation issues related to property damage caused by extreme weather [4] - The community actively mediates conflicts by facilitating discussions between affected parties and providing professional assistance, leading to amicable resolutions [5][6] - The community engages over 1,650 volunteers and various resources to support residents and address local disputes effectively [6] Group 4 - The "Colorful Classroom" initiative in the Xijian community offers educational activities for children during school holidays, providing a safe environment while parents are at work [7] - The program includes diverse courses such as traditional painting, calligraphy, and public speaking, which have received positive feedback from both parents and children [7] - Since its inception, the "Colorful Classroom" has conducted over 30 activities annually, benefiting more than 5,000 participants [7]

Core Viewpoint - The small shop economy is a vital component of urban economic structure, requiring further attention and development to enhance its role in local communities and overall economic vitality [1][3]. Group 1: Characteristics of Small Shop Economy - The small shop economy is characterized by its "small and beautiful" nature, consisting of individual businesses that contribute significantly to employment and local livelihoods, accounting for 70-80% of economic entities in some cities [1]. - Small shops serve as the "foundation" of urban economies, linking logistics, supply chains, and consumer spending, thereby validating the logic that "if small shops thrive, the economy thrives" [1]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - Small shops embody the "cultural genes" of cities, offering unique local flavors and artisan spirit, which contribute to the cultural identity and attractiveness of urban areas [2]. - The neglect of small shop economies in urban management has led to the displacement of essential services, negatively impacting low-income groups and diminishing the cultural distinctiveness of cities [2]. Group 3: Recent Initiatives and Support - Various regions have begun to reverse previous neglect of small shops, with initiatives such as pairing leading enterprises with small shops for support in technology and funding, and implementing streamlined government services for small business operations [3]. - Local leaders actively promoting small shop consumption reflects a governance philosophy that recognizes the importance of small shops in enhancing community welfare [3]. Group 4: Development Opportunities - There are three main areas for the development of the small shop economy: 1. The potential for consumption upgrades, particularly through unique and specialized small shops that attract significant tourist traffic [4]. 2. The opportunities presented by digital transformation, allowing small shops to leverage online platforms and data analytics to enhance their business models [4]. 3. The increasing demand for community services, positioning small shops as central nodes in local service networks, thereby enhancing their value in community integration [4]. Group 5: Integration into Urban Planning - Activating the small shop economy requires its integration into urban planning and governance, including reserving space for small shops in new developments and promoting synergies between small shops and cultural tourism [5]. - Effective governance measures such as tax reductions, simplified approval processes, and regular communication between government and small businesses are essential for fostering a supportive environment for small shops [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the enduring importance of offline commerce in the digital age, highlighting its role in consumer trust, experience, and community connection, despite the rise of online shopping [1][2][3]. Summary by Sections Importance of Offline Commerce - Offline commerce serves as a crucial bridge between production and consumption, establishing trust between consumers and brands [3]. - It provides unique experiential advantages that online channels cannot replicate, such as immediate service and personal interaction [3][4]. - Offline stores act as cultural and emotional landmarks within cities, contributing to community identity and social connections [4]. New Vitality in Offline Commerce - Offline commerce is undergoing a transformation, evolving from traditional sales points to multifunctional spaces that integrate service, experience, and community engagement [7][8]. - The rise of the Z generation has shifted consumer preferences towards stores that offer unique experiences and cultural atmospheres [7][8]. - Companies like Lianjia (链家) are redefining their roles by embedding themselves within communities, providing various services beyond real estate transactions [8][11]. Role of Store Managers - Store managers are pivotal in driving the vitality of offline stores, influencing customer experiences and community engagement [15][20]. - Effective store management involves adapting strategies to local community needs and fostering a culture of service and support [15][16]. - Successful store managers create emotional connections with customers, enhancing brand loyalty and community trust [16][20]. Human Element in Offline Commerce - The essence of offline commerce lies in its ability to foster human connections, serving as a space for emotional engagement and cultural exchange [21][22]. - The future of offline commerce is not about competing with online platforms but about returning to its core values of experience, connection, and community [22][23]. - Businesses that can provide differentiated experiences and emotional connections will thrive in the evolving commercial landscape [23].