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Scholarly Insights at the PKU Shenzhen Forum

On March 30, 2025, the renowned PKU Shenzhen Forum took place at Wuzhou Guest House in Futian District, Shenzhen. This pivotal event was orchestrated by the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) and centered on the theme "Creating Consensus for Reforms, Promoting Innovation." With over 1,000 participants including leading scholars, policy experts, and industry leaders, the forum served as a melting pot for interdisciplinary dialogue among economics, technology, and public policy stakeholders.

The opening remarks were delivered by Hai Wen, the founding dean of PHBS and vice-chairman of the Beijing Higher Education Association. During his speech, Hai emphasized the roles of reform and innovation as fundamental driving forces of progress, asserting that both have been cornerstones of China's development over the past four decades.

The forum featured a keynote address from Professor Zhang Jin, vice president of Peking University and chancellor of the Shenzhen Graduate School. He highlighted the burgeoning impact of artificial intelligence in scientific research, advocating for advancements in digital research platforms and the nurturing of interdisciplinary talent capable of making scientific breakthroughs through AI.

Li Yang, the head of the National Institution for Finance Development, provided valuable macroeconomic insights, pointing out the stable growth observed at the beginning of the year while cautioning about challenges such as reliance on foreign demand and subdued private investments. He advocated for a proactive fiscal and monetary policy to stimulate domestic consumption and enhance private investment.

Wang Yiming, from the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, reinforced the significance of technological innovation as a driver of new economic momentum. He stressed the importance of creating stronger linkages between education, research, and talent development to bolster economic growth.

In a discussion reflecting on international matters, Professor Wang Yizhou from Peking University stressed the critical role of academic research in adapting to global changes. He pointed out opportunities for deeper international engagement and the need for updated perspectives in the face of ongoing global challenges.

Wrapping up the session, Lu Mai, the former vice-chairman of the China Development Research Foundation, called for increased investments in early childhood development, particularly in rural areas. He argued that the long-term prosperity of the nation hinges on improving the nurturing, education, and nutrition available to the youngest generations.

Through its interdisciplinary focus and rich array of viewpoints, the PKU Shenzhen Forum continues to function as a critical platform for strategic dialogues that align academic voices from economics, technology, and public policy. This forum reflects PHBS's ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration that bridges these vital fields of study, driving progress and reform within both academic and practical applications.



The event highlighted the necessity of not only discussing the potentials of AI but also implementing reforms that can harness these technologies for broader economic benefits, aligning with China's strategic goals for future growth and sustainability.