Leading Scholars Unite at the PKU Shenzhen Forum to Explore AI's Impact on Economic Development

On March 30, 2025, the bustling city of Shenzhen, China, hosted the highly anticipated 2025 PKU Shenzhen Forum at the elegant Wuzhou Guest House in the Futian District. Organized by the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS), this gathering of over 1,000 participants included distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and policy specialists who came together under the theme "Building Consensus on Reform, Stimulating Innovation." The forum, having been established in 2007 and evolving into an inclusive platform beyond its campus since 2021, aims to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue that bridges economics, technology, and public policy.

The event was officially inaugurated by Hai Wen, the founding dean of PHBS and vice chairman of the Peking University Council. He delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the importance of reform and innovation as driving forces behind progress. "To deepen reform and constantly innovate has been the cornerstone of China's development over the past 40 years," Wen articulated, setting the tone for the discussions to follow.

Among the highlights was a keynote presentation from Professor Zhang Jin, the vice president of Peking University and chancellor of its Shenzhen Graduate School. He passionately discussed the burgeoning field of AI for Science, advocating for the establishment of robust digital research platforms and the cultivation of interdisciplinary talent capable of leveraging artificial intelligence to propel scientific discovery.

The forum also featured insights into macroeconomic trends from Li Yang, chairman of the National Institution for Finance Development, who pointed out the nation’s steady performance early in the year while highlighting significant challenges such as reliance on external demand and a faltering private investment landscape. Yang called for a more proactive approach in fiscal and monetary policy to stimulate domestic consumption and bolster private investment.

Wang Yiming from the China Center for International Economic Exchanges contributed to the discourse by underscoring the critical role of technological innovation in fostering new economic momentum. He argued that educational institutions, research entities, and workforce development must be more interconnected to thrive in the changing economic landscape.

Professor Wang Yizhou from Peking University contributed remarks on international relations, advocating for the role of academic inquiry in allowing nations to better respond to global changes. He remarked on the significance of engaging in deeper international partnerships while urging for fresh perspectives in academics to adapt strategies accordingly.

Closing the session was Lu Mai, former vice chairman of the China Development Research Foundation, who called for greater investments in early childhood development initiatives, particularly in rural areas. He highlighted the importance of addressing care, nutrition, and education for the youngest members of society to ensure long-term prosperity and development.

In summary, the 2025 PKU Shenzhen Forum successfully highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration across disciplines, demonstrating PHBS's commitment to fostering academic voices that address the pressing issues at the intersection of economics, technology, and public policy. As discussions continue to evolve, this forum marks another pivotal moment in the search for innovative solutions that harness the potential of AI in driving sustainable economic growth.