Student Guidance Handbook

CNEC Economics Literacy Program – China National Round 2026

Welcome to CNEC China National Round 2026

The CNEC Economics Literacy Program is the only economics education event worldwide broadcast live by CNBC, making it one of the most influential youth economics programs globally. Its academic standards are jointly recognized by the Council for Economic Education (CEE)—an institution with a 75-year history and a key contributor to international K–12 financial literacy standards. CEE maintains long-term partnerships with leading global financial institutions and enterprises, including J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Bloomberg, and Citibank.

Since its introduction to China in 2016, CNEC has reached over 600 schools nationwide, benefiting nearly 100,000 students passionate about economics and financial literacy. Congratulations on successfully completing the Preliminary Round. You are now entering a more rigorous, in-depth, and real-world–oriented academic economics experience.

Annual Theme: Intelligent Economy

Artificial Intelligence is transforming our world at unprecedented speed—personalized shopping recommendations, AI-powered customer service, data-driven corporate decision-making, and algorithm-managed urban transportation systems are now part of everyday life. Together, these changes signal a transition from the Digital Economy to the Intelligent Economy—an economic system jointly driven by AI, data, and human decision-making.

Why This Theme Matters

The Intelligent Economy has become one of the most critical academic directions at leading universities worldwide and represents a new set of rules that future generations must understand. By exploring how AI reshapes labor markets, urban efficiency, industrial structures, and social welfare, students develop essential analytical skills for navigating complex systems and making informed academic and career choices.

Throughout the China National Round, students will engage with real-world scenarios of the Intelligent Economy across multiple academic modules:

In Critical Thinking, students will analyze the economic impact of AI on employment, industries, and cities—just like young economists.
In the Changsha Civic Hackathon, students will propose intelligent business models, social innovation strategies, and well-being systems to address real challenges faced by local enterprises.

New Feature: Civic Hackathon – City Partner Program

In collaboration with host cities, CNEC proudly launches the City Partner (Civic Hackathon) initiative. Local governments, leading regional enterprises, and technology firms will act as real-world “case owners,” inviting CNEC students to serve as youth economic consultants. Participants will develop proposals for urban economic policies and enterprise development, becoming true partners in city innovation.

New Opportunities: Research Certification & Publication

CNEC 2026 introduces a high-level academic experience through the Youth Scholar Oral Defense.
Teams participating in CT Classic Mode may be selected to present their research papers in an offline academic defense, engaging in direct dialogue with professional economists.

Outstanding research papers may be certified by CEE and recommended for publication in academic journals affiliated with top universities—creating a significant highlight for students’ academic portfolios.

A Comprehensive Economics Learning Experience

Through multi-scenario engagement and multi-dimensional evaluation, the China National Round offers a fully immersive economics learning journey. Students gain not only knowledge, but also transferable skills essential for future studies and applications:

Insight into emerging technological trends
Interdisciplinary analytical thinking
Real-world problem-solving capabilities
High-quality academic outputs suitable for university applications

CNEC China National Round 2026 Agenda

Location: Changsha, China

Online Preparation Phase (December 2025 – February 2026)

Date	Content
Dec–Feb	Independent study and team collaboration using official materials
Jan 14	Release of Critical Thinking case materials
Jan 14 – Feb 3	Team research and analysis
Feb 4	Submission of Critical Thinking deliverables
Feb 7 / 8	Online Critical Thinking presentations

Onsite Program (Feb 27 – Mar 1, 2026)

Day 1

Afternoon: Registration
Evening: Opening Ceremony

Day 2

Morning: Qualifying Test* & Leader of Tomorrow Forum
Afternoon:
- Super Econ! Innovation Challenge
- Youth Scholar Oral Defense
- Civic Hackathon*
- Expo
Evening: Changsha Night – Evening Adventure

Day 3

Morning: Closing Ceremony

* Academic evaluation components
Schedule subject to adjustment with at least 20 days’ notice.

I. Registration Guidelines

1. Eligibility

Only teams that have obtained CNEC 2026 advancement eligibility may participate in the China National Round.

2. Critical Thinking Modes: Classic vs. Smart

Each team must select one unified participation mode at registration.

Mode	Advancement	Required Submissions
Classic	Eligible for CNEC Global Round	PPT + Oral Defense + Team Report + Research Paper
Smart	Eligible for WYF-FELS	PPT + Oral Defense + Team Report

All team members must select the same mode. In case of inconsistency, the team leader’s selection prevails.

3. Divisions

Adam Smith Division – Advanced
David Ricardo Division – Intermediate
Pre Division – Introductory

Students are evaluated only within their division.

4. Dress Code

Formal attire is strongly recommended throughout the event, including online sessions.

II. Academic Evaluation Components

1. Qualifying Test

A 60-minute objective written exam.

Pre Division: Microeconomics & Macroeconomics
DR & AS Divisions: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Economics & Current Affairs

Scoring Overview

Correct answer: 10 points
No penalty for incorrect or unanswered questions

Team scores are calculated using top individual scores per subject.

2. Critical Thinking

A team-based case analysis and oral defense. English presentations are strongly recommended.

Two modes are evaluated separately: Smart and Classic, with different academic depth requirements, advancement paths, and deliverables.

Presentation: 10 minutes (English)
Q&A: 5 minutes
Judged by two evaluators; average score applied

3. Youth Scholar Oral Defense

Top 10% of Classic Mode teams will be invited to an offline research defense before university-level experts, competing for final honors and publication opportunities.

4. Super Econ! Innovation Challenge

A fast-paced team quiz consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions.
This module has independent honors and does not count toward team total scores.

5. Civic Hackathon – Changsha City Partner

Students act as youth consultants to address real economic and industrial challenges of local enterprises through interdisciplinary teamwork and mentor guidance.

III. Non-Academic Activities

Pin Trading – Social interaction through collectible badge exchange
Leader of Tomorrow Forum – Leadership reflection and dialogue
Evening Adventure: Changsha Night – Music, markets, games, and immersive social experiences

IV. Advancement Pathways

CNEC Global Round

Based on combined scores from Qualifying Test and Critical Thinking (Classic Mode).

WYF-FELS

Based on combined scores from Qualifying Test and Critical Thinking (Smart Mode & Pre Division).

V. Honors & Recognition

CNEC is a learning-oriented program and does not directly issue awards. Students may apply for independent academic certification through third-party institutions aligned with CEE standards for overseas study purposes.

Recognitions include:

National & Regional Team Honors
Critical Thinking Excellence
Civic Hackathon Innovation Honors
Individual Qualifying Test Honors
Advancement Certification

CNEC Organizing Committee
Version: December 18, 2025

Download: CNEC China National Round 2026 Student Handbook (PDF)