Leading Scholars Assemble at PKU Shenzhen Forum to Explore AI's Impact on Economic Growth

The 2025 PKU Shenzhen Forum, organized by the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS), took place on March 30 in the scenic Wuzhou Guest House located in the Futian District of Shenzhen. The forum's theme, "Building Consensus on Reform, Stimulating Innovation," attracted over 1,000 attendees, which included a diverse array of scholars, policy experts, and industry leaders.

Initiated in 2007 and having expanded beyond its campus boundaries in 2021, the Shenzhen Forum has effectively positioned itself as a vital platform for interdisciplinary dialogue concerning economics, technology, and public policy. This year's event showcased the forum's commitment to fostering discussions that bridge various fields, particularly in light of the rising importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in economic development.

The event was inaugurated with an insightful address by PHBS founding dean, Hai Wen, who also serves as the vice chairman of the Peking University Council. He underscored the critical role of reform and innovation as foundational elements driving China’s progress for the past four decades. His remarks set a robust tone for the discussions that followed, emphasizing that continuous innovation is essential for sustained economic competitiveness.

A highlight of the forum was the keynote speech delivered by Professor Zhang Jin, vice president of Peking University and chancellor of its Shenzhen Graduate School. He addressed the burgeoning field of AI for Science, advocating for the establishment of enhanced digital research platforms. Professor Zhang stressed the need to nurture interdisciplinary talents capable of leveraging artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and discoveries.

Li Yang, chairman of the National Institution for Finance Development, contributed macroeconomic perspectives, noting a stable economic performance in early 2025 alongside challenges like dependency on external demand and sluggish private investment. He emphasized the necessity for more proactive fiscal and monetary policies aimed at bolstering domestic consumption and encouraging private investment.

Wang Yiming, a representative from the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the pivotal role technological advancement plays in generating new economic drivers. He articulated the need for stronger synergies among education, research, and talent cultivation to harness innovation effectively.

In a session focused on international affairs, Peking University professor Wang Yizhou shared insights on the importance of academic exploration in adapting to global transformations. He indicated that there are rich opportunities for deeper international collaboration and called for updated frameworks to facilitate this engagement.

Lu Mai, former vice chairman of the China Development Research Foundation, wrapped up the discussions by advocating for investment in early childhood development, particularly in rural areas. He asserted that nurturing the youngest population through improved care, education, and nutrition is fundamental to ensuring long-term prosperity and societal advancement.

Through its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and a variety of perspectives, the PKU Shenzhen Forum continues to emerge as a crucial platform for strategic dialogue. As PHBS seeks to foster academic engagement across economics, technology, and public policy, the outcomes of this forum suggest that collective efforts can drive meaningful progress in navigating the complex interplay between AI and economic development.

The success of the 2025 forum not only lays the groundwork for future discussions but also serves as a testament to the dynamic role that institutions like Peking University can play in shaping policies that adapt to the fast-evolving landscape of technology and its implications for economic growth.