Leading Scholars Gather at PKU Shenzhen Forum to Discuss AI and Economic Progress

PKU Shenzhen Forum: Exploring the Intersection of AI and Economic Development

On March 30, 2025, the Wuzhou Guest House in Futian District hosted the 2025 PKU Shenzhen Forum, organized by the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS). The event, themed "Building Consensus on Reform, Stimulating Innovation," was attended by more than 1,000 participants, including leading scholars, policy experts, and industry leaders who convened to explore critical issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and economic growth.

Established in 2007, the Shenzhen Forum expanded beyond campus boundaries in 2021, evolving into a crucial platform for multidisciplinary dialogue on economics, technology, and public policy. The founder and dean of PHBS, Hai Wen, opened the forum with a speech emphasizing that reforms and innovations are key drivers of progress. He stated, “Deepening reforms and continuous innovations have been the cornerstone of China’s development over the past 40 years.”

A keynote presentation on the growing significance of AI in science was delivered by Professor Zhang Jin, Vice President of Peking University and Dean of the Shenzhen Graduate School. He stressed the necessity for supporting digital research platforms and developing interdisciplinary talent capable of enhancing scientific discoveries through AI technology. Zhang pointedly discussed the fundamental need for institutions to invest in digital infrastructures which could spur progress in various scientific fields.

Li Yang, Chairman of the National Institution for Finance Development, addressed macroeconomic trends, citing robust early-year performance, alongside persistent challenges such as reliance on external demand and low levels of private investment. He highlighted the need for proactive fiscal and monetary policies that could better address issues surrounding domestic consumption and private sector investment. Li’s insights pointed towards a critical approach in navigating China’s economic landscape amid global uncertainties.

Wang Yiming from the China Center for International Economic Exchanges expanded on the importance of technological innovations as key catalysts for stimulating a new wave of economic momentum. He highlighted the increasing connectivity between education, research, and talent development, advocating for a cohesive strategy that fosters innovation and growth.

In discussions surrounding international relations, Professor Wang Yizhou of Peking University pondered the value of academic research in adapting to global changes. He highlighted opportunities for deeper international engagement and the urgent need for renewing developmental perspectives to enhance global collaboration.

Concluding the session, Lu Mai, former Vice Chairman of the China Development Research Foundation, emphasized the critical importance of investing in early childhood development, particularly in rural areas. He underlined that the long-term prosperity of the nation hinges on improving care, education, and nutrition for its youngest generation.

The diverse range of perspectives showcased at the PKU Shenzhen Forum further cements its role as a vital platform for strategic dialogue. As academia continues to intersect with practical applications in economics, technology, and public policy, the forum stands out, marking another milestone in PHBS’s ongoing efforts to foster intellectual discussions on pressing global challenges.

The forum not only emphasized the role of AI in driving economic progress but also called upon stakeholders to work collaboratively to explore innovative ways that technology can reshape the future of economies around the world. The collective insights gained from these discussions may serve as valuable guidance in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of technological advancements and their economic implications.