CNEC Overview | CNEC Academic Value | CNEC Divisions
CNEC Program Structure | 2026 CNEC Schedule
CNEC Economics Literacy Program
What Is CNEC?
An Economics Literacy Program —
A Launchpad for the Next Generation of Global Economic Leaders
The CNEC Economics Literacy Program is a flagship initiative under the SKT Economics & Financial Literacy Learning Series and serves as the only official pathway in China to the NEC Global Rounds.
Its academic standards are mutually recognized by the Council for Economic Education (CEE)—a globally respected authority with over 76 years of academic heritage in economics education. CEE’s standards have impacted more than 5 million students worldwide, supported by leading institutions and featured by international media such as CNBC, ensuring exceptional credibility and influence.
Over more than a decade of development in China, CNEC has become a premier economics education platform aligned with AP, IB, and A-Level curricula, reaching over 800 schools and benefiting 100,000+ students. Its academic rigor and student outcomes are widely recognized by Wall Street financial institutions and top global universities.
Guided by the mission to empower youth with economic thinking and social responsibility, CNEC fosters future leaders who can analyze, interpret, and shape the world. Through diversified learning, real-world practice, and peer collaboration, students develop data literacy, critical thinking, and applied problem-solving skills to address real economic challenges.
Backed by globally recognized academic standards, a complete learning pathway from knowledge to creation, a worldwide exchange ecosystem, and a premier competition and communication platform, CNEC is not merely an annual academic event. It represents a long-term vision:
to make economics a universal language and core competency for the future, nurturing the next generation of leaders in economics, finance, policy, and business.
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I. The Academic Value of CNEC
01. A Globally Recognized Authority in Economics Education
Academic Partner: Council for Economic Education (CEE)
A global standard-setter in economics education with 76 years of history.
CEE serves as the academic standards and honors recognition body for CNEC. It is one of the leading organizations defining K–12 financial literacy standards worldwide and a key partner of major financial institutions and corporations, including PwC, Citi, and Bloomberg.
Jointly Developed by Nobel Laureates and Top Economists
CNEC Global Rounds are evaluated by panels composed of:
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Former Federal Reserve monetary policymakers
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Chief economists from global investment banks
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Senior decision-makers from Fortune 500 companies
These judges are not only academic authorities but also influential figures shaping global capital markets.
02. A Premier Global Platform for Youth Economics Exchange
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Students from 5+ countries and regions
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An academic platform impacting 5 million+ young learners
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Three Global Round destinations
CNEC is both a competitive stage for young economists and a bridge connecting global perspectives to future collaboration.
03. A Powerful Academic Credential for AP / IB / A-Level Students
Over 60% of Global Round participants receive offers from top universities worldwide.
CNEC stands at the pinnacle of secondary-school economics competitions, with alumni admitted to institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, Cornell, NYU, University of Chicago, University of Toronto, LSE, Imperial College London, and more.
04. Direct Access to Real-World Economic Institutions
Participants may gain opportunities to:
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Visit the U.S. Federal Reserve
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Engage with content featured on CNBC global broadcasts
With deep roots in both China and the United States, NEC provides a platform for cross-border exchange, collaborative research, and shared resources—earning unmatched influence and credibility.
05. A Comprehensive Learning Pathway — From Knowledge to Creation
CNEC offers a unique, integrated learning framework:
Economic Theory → Case Analysis → Interdisciplinary Application → Creative Solutions
Through assessments, case challenges, cross-cultural collaboration, and annual thematic learning, students develop depth of knowledge, analytical rigor, application skills, and creativity.
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II. CNEC Competition Divisions
PRE Division — Introductory Level
An Essential First Step into Economics
Eligibility:
Students who, before September 2025, have not studied economics or have only completed IGCSE introductory economics.
Learning Focus:
Using real-life cases and interactive formats (assessments, case analysis, and quiz competitions), the PRE Division sparks interest in economics and prepares students for advanced coursework in secondary school and future university majors.
* Individual participation is allowed at the Regional Round stage.
Team participation is required at the China and Global Rounds.
David Ricardo Division — Intermediate Level
An Accessible and Comprehensive Economics Skill-Building Program
Eligibility:
Students who have completed either Microeconomics or Macroeconomics within the IBDP, AP, or AS curriculum before September 2025.
Learning Focus:
Strengthens understanding of economic terminology and theory, reinforces foundational knowledge, and significantly enhances independent learning ability—serving as a powerful academic support for economics studies.
Adam Smith Division — Advanced Level
A High-Impact Credential for Ivy League & G5 Aspirants
Eligibility:
No formal prerequisite; recommended for students who have studied IB, AP, or A-Level Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.
Learning Focus:
Emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative analysis, advanced theory application, and research capability, preparing students for complex academic environments and future specialization in economics.
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III. CNEC Program Structure
One China National Round · Three Global Rounds
Multiple Global Pathways, Maximum Academic Value
Built upon CEE’s 76+ years of academic standards, CNEC brings together young economics leaders from 50+ countries and regions, impacting over 5 million students worldwide.
Regional Round — National Launchpad for Economic Literacy
Qualifying Test
Objective-based assessment covering:
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Microeconomics
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Macroeconomics
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International Economics
The test emphasizes foundational concepts and classic models, helping students build a clear knowledge framework and develop economic thinking skills.
China National Round — China’s Largest High School Economics Academic Event
Qualifying Test
Advanced objective assessment incorporating complex data, multi-source information, and real-world scenarios, requiring integrated reasoning and higher-order thinking.
Critical Thinking — Case Analysis
Team-based research involving data collection, analysis, report writing, and presentation before invited expert judges. Develops research, writing, public speaking, and critical reasoning skills.
Super Econ! — Economics Innovation Quiz
A fast-paced, high-energy quiz assessing economic knowledge, responsiveness, and team coordination.
Econ Lab — Interdisciplinary Economics Laboratory
A time-limited, real-world, interdisciplinary research experience where students apply economic principles alongside other disciplines to analyze problems and propose solutions.
Global Rounds — United States / Asia / United Kingdom
Where the World’s Top Young Economists Compete
Quiz Bowl
Head-to-head buzzer competition testing focus, speed, inference, and strategic thinking.
U20 Voice of Econ Youth
Global youth forums addressing major economic issues. Outstanding teams receive recognition and joint recommendations from leading academic and industry institutions.
Global Highlights
June 2026 | United States
An elite academic challenge—often described as the “Oscar moment” for young economists—reviewed by Wall Street’s top think tanks and global economic leaders.
August 2026 | Asia
A highly selective (1:70) global summit for future economic leaders, often referred to as a “world-class TED stage” for youth, showcasing interdisciplinary innovation and personal growth stories.
August 2026 | United Kingdom
A newly launched global round in collaboration with historic institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge, creating a premier economics academic event with global reach.
Students from around the world will gather along the River Thames to compete using real market cases and cutting-edge academic frameworks.
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IV. Event Calendar
CNEC 2026 China National Round and Global Rounds
(PRE Division does not participate in Global Rounds)
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