04 Sep 2024
The International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) of Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and the IQS School of Management of Ramon Llull University (IQS) in Spain have established a unique collaboration this summer. From June to August 2024, five research scholars—Dr Flavio Comim, Dr Mihály Borsi, Dr Octasiano M. Valerio Mendoza, Dr Meritxell Saez Cornellana, and Dr Juan Albacete Maza—as well as three visiting PhD students, Rallou Taratori, Marina Ferraz, and Ying Ni from IQS, visited IBSS for stays ranging from one to three months. Additionally, one research scholar, Dr May Aye Naw Thiri from the University of Tokyo, stayed with IBSS for two weeks, also under the same EU funding.
Professor Jorg Bley, Dean of IBSS, warmly welcomed the IQS research group and discussed a strategic plan for collaboration between the two schools. Members of IBSS management team (BSMT) and directors of the Research Centres of Excellence (RCEs) met with the IQS group. The discussions encompassed a broad range of potential collaborations, including, but not limited to, undergraduate student exchanges, summer schools, faculty and PhD student exchanges, participation in each other's conferences, joint research workshops, research centre and lab collaborations, accreditation, and marketing.
On 21 June, IBSS and IQS jointly held a workshop on Structural Transformation and Sustainable Development. The event was organized by Dr Ye Bai, Dr Vi Cao, and Dr Fan Liu from IBSS, along with Dr Octasiano Miguel Valerio Mendoza, Head of the Sustainability, Economics, and Ethics Research Group and Fund leading researcher (PI) from IQS. Many experts and scholars from both universities attended the workshop, where they engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges on sustainable development and the Chinese economy through paper presentations and Q&A sessions.
Professor Ewout van der Schaft, Associate Dean for Internationalisation at IBSS, delivered a welcome speech, extending a sincere and warm welcome to all attendees. He highlighted that the workshop aligns with IBSS's mission in three key aspects: connecting the East and the West through mutual learning and exchange, conducting impact-oriented research, as well as exploring sustainable development in the field of economics. Following this, Dr Flavio Comim, Dean of IQS, delivered an opening speech, stating “We are not simply here exchanging on the best of what universities do which is to exchange knowledge. But we are also here regarding respect and contemplation and wonder what China has been doing and wanted to learn from China.”
During the workshop, attendees actively shared their research and engaged in interactive exchanges. They jointly discussed over ten papers with rich themes, deconstructing sustainable development and Chinese economic practices and future from multiple perspectives. At the conclusion of the joint research workshop, Dr Ye Bai, Head of the Department of Economics, offered closing remarks. She summarized the day's proceedings, expressed appreciation to all participants, emphasized the commonalities between IBSS and IQS, and looked forward to future collaborations.
On 9 July, Dr Flavio Comim from IQS, presented a series of workshops for IBSS undergraduate students, covering two topics: 'How to get into Cambridge? Tips for applying to International Masters programs' and 'How to work for the United Nations?' The workshops, organized by Dr Yingchan Luo and Dr Fan Liu at IBSS, the workshop series attracted more than 50 students who participated online and offline. Dr Comim has 17 years of experience working for the University of Cambridge and worked for various UN agencies as a senior economist or consultant. During these workshops, he provided constructive suggestions to IBSS undergraduate students and answered their questions. A participant who attended the session on-site sent a follow-up email, stating, 'I was fortunate to attend the session in person. It was helpful. Dr Flavio Comim's answers are insightful.”
In addition, the "Introduction to Machine Learning" Training Workshop was held on 10 July for IBSS faculty and PhD students. This training was organized by Dr Ye Bai and Dr Fan Liu at IBSS and delivered by Dr Meritxell Saez Cornellana, Head of Applied Data Analytics and Modelling Research Group from IQS. The workshop offered a general introduction to machine learning techniques, focusing on both supervised and unsupervised methods. As an introductory session, she provided a solid theoretical foundation and presented examples of possible applications. The training was engaging, interesting, and easy to follow. More than 50 faculty and PhD students participated in the workshop. It equipped participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to conduct research in their respective fields.
Moreover, IBSS faculty Dr Yaxiong Li, Dr Gengyang Tu, and Dr Fan Liu, have hosted and supervised three visiting PhD students from IQS during their three-month stay. This PhD student exchange has introduced a new approach to research collaboration with international partners for IBSS.
Overall, the successful hosting of the IQS visits and execution of these workshops have not only deepened academic exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries but also contributed wisdom and strength to promote the harmonious development of the economy, society, and environment. Looking forward, IBSS will continue to serve as a bridge between the East and the West, working with more like-minded partners to explore innovative solutions and make greater contributions to the world.
04 Sep 2024