Abstract The Boao Forum for Asia 2013 took place in Hainan. Gao Jifan, chairman of Trina Solar, shared his insights at the event, emphasizing that the key to growing from small to strong lies in whether a company can develop core competitiveness early on. He pointed out that when businesses grow larger, they often lose the inherent advantages that made them successful in their early stages. The challenge, he said, is how to combine the resource-acquisition power of large enterprises with the agility and focus of smaller ones, which is essential for becoming an outstanding company. Gao also reflected on the development of China’s photovoltaic industry, noting that it was not initially driven by government support. Before 2005, no official department paid much attention to the sector. Instead, it was private entrepreneurs and foreign capital markets that played a crucial role in its growth. However, after 2006, local governments began to take more interest, especially in strategic emerging industries. This shift led to rapid expansion, but also to overheating. In his speech, Gao highlighted a Japanese company as a case study. This firm has been active in the solar industry for over two decades and remained profitable even during downturns. Its success came from a unique business model known as "amoeba management," where the company is divided into thousands of small, autonomous teams. These groups are highly flexible, focused, and efficient—qualities that large companies often lack. He contrasted this with larger firms like BP, which, despite their size, struggle with slow decision-making processes. Gao stressed that the future of successful enterprises lies in balancing the strengths of both large and small organizations. Gao Jifan concluded by reiterating that China's PV industry originated from self-driven development, and while government support eventually fueled its growth, it also contributed to market imbalances. His message was clear: true long-term success comes from innovation, adaptability, and a strong foundation of core competencies.