THE world’s fastest-growing companies are to be targeted by a new, China-based operation being set up by World Economic Forum and designed to help these high-potential firms to draw on the corporate expertise of existing global multinationals, The Times has learnt.

In an effort to link up what may become the corporate titans of tomorrow with those of today, The Times understands that the forum is to sign a deal with the Chinese authorities to establish a new headquarters for the initiative in Beijing.

A WEF “talent-spotting” team will work from there to identify “global growth companies” and connect them to the forum’s existing large network of members among the biggest multinational corporations — to the groups’ mutual benefit.

The forum’s organisers hope that not only will this allow the companies involved to share expertise and insights, but also that the rapidly growing newcomers will learn and adopt the best practice of existing multinationals as “good corporate citizens”.

“The idea is to try to bring them into the orbit of some of the companies that are doing the right things in the world,” a senior forum official said. “The idea is to bring them together with our member companies and get some ideas about how to be a really great global corporation.”

The project is to be based in China, as the WEF believes that this is where many “global growth companies” are based. The forum is also keen to expand the involvement of China in its activities. The timing of its January Davos gathering has been difficult, since it clashes with the country’s traditional new year. The WEF plans to hold regular summer meetings linked to the new project in Beijing.