**Abstract:** On March 23, 2014, the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (SEM) hosted a significant academic forum titled “Business Model Innovation in the Big Data Era” as part of its 30th-anniversary celebration series “Thoughts • Leading.” The event, held at the Shunde Building on the Tsinghua campus, brought together leading academics and industry practitioners to discuss the transformative impact of big data on business models, customer insights, online consumer behavior, and marketing strategies. The forum was moderated by Professor Zhao Ping, the head of the Marketing Department at SEM. Keynote presentations were delivered by several distinguished speakers, including Professor Jiang Xuping, who presented on “Consumer Behavior Analysis and Value-added Services in the Big Data Era.” His talk emphasized how big data can be leveraged to gain deeper insights into consumer behavior and to create more personalized and value-added services. Mao Chunjing, a Tsinghua alumnus and Strategic Director of IBM Greater China Region's E-Commerce Department, discussed “Cognitive Computing and Precision Marketing.” He used real-world case studies to illustrate the advancements in cognitive computing and how these technologies are revolutionizing precision marketing, providing a fresh perspective on this traditional field. Professor Chen Yubo explored the global interconnectedness of the modern era and highlighted the importance of social interactions in market transformation and business innovation. He shared findings from his research, demonstrating how big data can enhance customer understanding and drive business innovation. For instance, he showed how data mining can reveal differences in potential customer development between developed and developing countries. Rong Wenjin, a Senior Product Manager at Baidu's Business Search Department, provided an industry perspective on the practical applications of big data in search marketing. His presentation underscored the role of big data in optimizing search algorithms and improving user experiences. Professor Hu Zuohao analyzed the shift in marketing models in the internet age. He argued that businesses should transition to a demand-driven, value co-creation model, and that retailers should adopt an omnichannel approach focused on enhancing customer experiences. He proposed a model that integrates digital and physical retail, emphasizing the importance of seamless, multi-channel customer interactions. The forum concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where the speakers engaged with the audience to address questions and provide further insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the big data era. This event was particularly significant as it not only highlighted the academic advancements in the field but also provided practical guidance for businesses navigating the complexities of big data and digital transformation. The discussions were aimed at guiding both scholarly research and practical business strategies, making the forum a valuable contribution to the understanding of how big data can be harnessed to innovate and enhance business practices.