In 2024, an industry-academia collaboration team published the first cybersecurity scenario case study in the global Complex Chinese edition of Harvard Business Review. The case study emphasizes "using fictional business stories to illustrate the potential dilemmas faced by leaders."

Set against the backdrop of a major screw manufacturer, a typical Taiwanese manufacturing enterprise, the case follows the factory’s transition toward smart manufacturing. After a cyberattack shuts down the entire production line, the company’s future operations are threatened. However, compromising with the hackers could damage its reputation and carry legal risks. With the ransom deadline fast approaching, should the Chairman pay the ransom?

The case study was released just as Taiwan’s listed companies were facing significant regulatory changes regarding mandatory cybersecurity disclosures in 2024. Would board members and senior executives of publicly traded companies still find themselves caught in a dilemma when dealing with ransomware attacks? The team also incorporated AI tools for the first time to guide group discussions. Reflecting on past experiences in board and executive education, does the combination of case studies and AI-based teaching enhance participants' cybersecurity awareness and learning outcomes?