11th Conference on Chinese Economy: Past, Present, and Future

The 11th Conference on Chinese Economy: Past, Present, and Future officially began on December 14, 2024, bringing together scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss critical economic and social issues shaping China’s development. The conference, jointly hosted by International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and Institute of Economics, School of Social Sciences, and Institute of Innovation and Development,Tsinghua University, features a diverse array of sessions spanning topics from climate change and AI innovation to pandemic responses and economic spillovers.

Conference Opening and Overall Agenda

The opening session was marked by a thought-provoking presentation and keynote address moderated by Dr Yang Chen (IBSS) and Professor Taoxiong Liu (Tsinghua University). A welcome speech was then provided by Dr Nimesh Salike, the Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching of IBSS and Professor Donald Lien from University of Texas at San Antonio to set the stage for the day’s discussions. Finally, Professor Xuezhong (Tony) He provided the keynote speech by reflecting on China’s economic trajectory and the increasing interconnectedness of economic uncertainty and social welfare. To commemorate the first time that the conference is being held off-site away from Tsinghua University, IBSS has sponsored an additional parallel workshop, named “Workshop on Structural Transformation and Financial Sustainability.” Dr Bo Jiang (IBSS) hosted six young Chinese scholars (Zhiguo Xiao, Fudan University; Bozhen Liu, Jinan University; Zhitao Zhu, Zhejiang University; Bin Wang, Jinan University; Xiaoqi Zhang, Henan Polytechnic University; Hang Zhou, University of International Business and Economics) presenting their works on the theme.

Policy, Governance, and Global Economic Interactions

The morning Session 1.1, focusing on “Policy, Governance, and Economic Transitions,” explored how governmental policies affect China’s economy at the micro and macro levels. Presentations included Nimesh Salike’s discussion on the impacts of China’s ICT exports and their relationship with exchange rates, and Leona Shao-Zhi Li’s analysis of local leaders’ career incentives and their impact on entrepreneurial entry in China. Each of the papers was accompanied by insightful commentary from leading scholars, sparking lively debates on policy effectiveness and regional economic disparities.

Parallel to this session was Session 1.2, which explored “Global Linkages and Economic Spillovers.” Researchers presented studies on a wide range of global economic issues, including Zehao Wang’s investigation into production leakage resulting from uncoordinated environmental policies and Bing Lu’s research on exchange rate movements and productivity in Chinese firms. A key takeaway was the significant influence of international monetary policies on China’s domestic economy, with new evidence suggesting that crises and policy shocks propagate through global networks, impacting China’s economic performance.

Addressing Climate Change and the Role of AI

As the world grapples with climate change, Session 2.1 turned the spotlight on “Climate Change and Natural Disaster.” Scholars like Haidong Fang and Ziyi Chen offered a deep dive into how China’s real estate market and corporate innovation have been shaped by environmental risks and natural disasters. Presentations highlighted the socio-economic impacts of climate-related events, with a particular focus on how these events affect labor force mobility and long-term economic stability in vulnerable regions.

Simultaneously, Session 2.2 examined “AI, Data, and Machine Learning” and their transformative role in China’s economic future. With AI, big data, and digital innovation becoming central to economic growth, presentations from Sirui Chen and Yitian Zhang discussed how these technologies are fostering inclusive green growth and reshaping the digital economy. The session underscored the pivotal role of data marketization and AI in unlocking new economic opportunities while also raising concerns about the risks associated with digital surveillance and data privacy.

Managing Pandemics and Cultural Influences

The afternoon sessions shifted focus to the aftermath of global crises, with Session 3.1 delving into “Pandemic Response and Management.” Researchers discussed the varying degrees of success in pandemic management, with a special emphasis on China's Zero-Covid policy and its top-down bureaucratic response. Andong Yan’s presentation provided an in-depth look at how China’s pandemic response was shaped by governmental structures, while Jaimie Wei-hung Lien’s study explored the social and economic well-being impacts of COVID-19 policies in both China and the United States. This session raised critical questions about the interplay between political institutions and public health outcomes during global health crises.

In Session 3.2, experts explored the effects of culture, institutions, and politics on economic outcomes. Jin Huang’s paper on geopolitical risks and corporate innovation sparked discussion on how global tensions influence China’s corporate sector, while Han Xu’s research on cultural influences in supply chain management highlighted the importance of understanding local cultural contexts when shaping business strategy. This session emphasized the intricate ways in which political, social, and cultural factors interact to drive economic development in China.

Technology, Emissions, and Inequality

The final session of the day, Session 4.1, tackled the critical intersection of "Emission Market and Asset Pricing." With China’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals, scholars like Qiyu Wang and Shimeng Shi presented research on the carbon pricing mechanisms and their implications for economic stability. The session offered valuable insights into how the emissions market is evolving and the economic challenges posed by environmental policy uncertainty.

Summary

For those attending, the conference also provides a valuable platform for networking and exchanging ideas with experts in economics, governance, and technology, as China positions itself at the forefront of global economic transformation.