1. Introduction

High-speed rail is a new type of railway transportation tool that emphasizes speed and is an indispensable part of modern transportation systems. With the rapid development of the global economy and the increase in urbanization, governments around the world are investing more and more in high-speed rail construction, which has played a positive role in tourism, business, education and other fields. However, international competition in the high-speed rail market is becoming increasingly fierce.

This paper aims to analyze the current state of international high-speed rail market competition and its trends, summarize the advantages and disadvantages of various countries in technology innovation, service level, business model and other aspects, and explore possible new changes that may occur in future international high-speed rail market competition.

1. Analysis of International High-Speed Rail Market Competition Situation

2.1 Market Size and Growth

According to data released by the International Railway Union (UIC), as of the end of 2020, 19 countries have operated nearly 34,000 kilometers of high-speed train lines worldwide. Among them, China has built the world’s longest and most diverse high-speed train network covering all cities throughout China with a length of 38,000 kilometers. European high-speed railways also operate on lines up to 14,000 kilometers long accounting for 41% percent of total global length.

In the next few years with increased investment from governments around the world into high-speed rail construction coupled with rising market demand it is expected that the global high-speed rail market size will continue to expand rapidly. Predictions indicate that by 2030 total global lengths for HSR lines will exceed 75,000 kilometers.

2.2 Technological Innovation and Development

Technological innovation is one of the most critical factors in international competition for HSR networks. China already has strong competitiveness in HSR technology capabilities while providing technology exports through joint cooperation developments with other countries. Europe is gradually forming its own unique HSR technology system, and has a long history and rich experience in this area. Meanwhile, countries like Japan and South Korea continue to push forward their own research and development efforts in technological innovation.

2.3 Service Level and Quality

As people’s demand for travel quality and service levels increases, companies from various countries must pay attention to improving the customer experience, optimizing service processes, providing diversified services, etc., to meet market needs. China’s high-speed rail system has developed a relatively complete service system with continuous innovation and upgrading. European high-speed railways have also attracted many passengers with their excellent service quality and abundant tourism resources.

2.4 Business Model and Competitive Strategy

Companies must improve operating efficiency while lowering costs by adopting different business models, according to local conditions in order to develop competitive strategies. In China for example, HSR companies have adopted a “public-private partnership” cooperation model to accelerate construction; while in Europe due to higher market openness between firms they tend towards cooperative competition through joint ventures or other forms of collaboration.

1. Trends in International High-Speed Rail Market Competition

With the acceleration of globalization process and technological innovation capabilities continuing to increase, future international high-speed rail market competition will exhibit several main trends:

3.1 Continuous Technological Innovation Advances

In the future each country will continue increasing investment into HSR technology research & development especially regarding energy conservation emissions reduction improvements along with better safety performance as well as intelligentization developments of train systems. Simultaneously there will be increased technology exchange and cooperation among nations worldwide.

3.2 Accelerated Development of Intelligentization

With the rapid development of technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), big data analysis among others we can expect that future HSR networks will become more intelligentized over time For example, China is currently developing 5G network-based HSR train control systems to improve operational efficiency and safety performance.

3.3 Continuous Improvement of Service Quality & Customer Experience

As market demands change and people’s travel quality requirements continuously rise, companies from various countries must focus on improving service levels, optimizing service processes, and launching diversified services to meet market needs.

3.4 Adjustment of International Competition Pattern

In future international HSR market competition new changes may occur such as some European firms possibly exiting or transforming in China while seeking other overseas markets; meanwhile Chinese companies could expand their overseas markets and explore new business opportunities in South America, Africa and elsewhere.

1. Conclusion and Suggestions

This paper analyzed the current state of international high-speed rail market competition and its trends, summarized the advantages and disadvantages of various countries in technology innovation, service level, business model and other aspects, and explored possible new changes that may occur in future international high-speed rail market competition. It is suggested that companies from all countries should increase investment into technological innovation, improve service levels and business models to enhance their core competitiveness so they can gain more advantages when competing in future markets.