The inaugural Forum on Construction and Development of New-Type Research Universities was convened at Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology on October 19th. Professor Shiyi Chen, President of Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, was invited and delivered a speech.
What constitutes their innovative nature? How is core competitiveness demonstrated? In what ways can they enhance regional development while serving national strategic objectives? What frameworks support their collaborative advancement?
During the roundtable discussion, a distinguished panel of higher education leaders engaged in substantive dialogue on the development of new-type research universities. The panel comprised President Shiyi Chen of the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, President Shuguo Wang of the Fuyao University of Science and Technology (Fujian), President Gang Tian of the Great Bay University, President Jianping Fan of the Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Vice President Jianjun Cheng of the Westlake University, Vice President Hong Jiang of the University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Qiuming Chen, Party Committee Secretary of Shenzhen Technology University. The session was moderated by Dr. Nanxing Zhang, Director of the Institute of Higher Education of the China National Academy of Educational Sciences.
Forum on Construction and Development of New-Type Research Universities (Photo courtesy of Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology)
President Shiyi Chen opened his speech with the theme of choice, reflecting on his 2021 transition from the Pearl River Delta to the Yangtze River Delta to establish a new-type research university in Ningbo. He emphasized that the founding and development of the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo aligns with national strategic requirements and are deeply rooted in Ningbo's fertile environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. Against the backdrop of profound global transformations driven by technological revolution and industrial restructuring, President Shiyi Chen underscored the heightened expectations for new-type research universities: to achieve greater innovation and generate broader societal impact.
President Shiyi Chen delivers a speech at the forum (Photo courtesy of Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology)
"A first-class city demands a first-class university," he stated, outlining the university's commitment to becoming a high-caliber foundation, compact yet distinguished, research oriented, and globally engaged institution. The university will concentrate on six cutting-edge domains—artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, unmanned technology, new materials, new energy, and intelligent manufacturing—to support regional socioeconomic advancement and address critical national strategic needs.
Regarding collaboration among new-type research universities, President Shiyi Chen proposed to maximize existing resources and leverage shared advantages, particularly the international character of new-type research universities. He advocated creating frameworks for educational resource sharing and talent co-development, with specific measures including shared curriculum access and mutual credit recognition.
The forum brought together representatives from leading institutions including The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), University of Macau, Sun Yat-sen University, Southern University of Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Westlake University, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Fuyao University of Science and Technology, Great Bay University, and Shenzhen Technology University.
