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Exploring the Future: Insights from the 2025 PKU Shenzhen Forum

On March 30th, 2025, the 2025 PKU Shenzhen Forum was held at the Wuzhou Guest House in the Futian district. Organized by the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS), the forum attracted over a thousand participants, including renowned researchers, policy experts, and industry leaders. Under the theme "Building Consensus on Reform, Stimulating Innovation," this forum has evolved since its inception in 2007 to become a vital platform for interdisciplinary dialogue surrounding economics, technology, and public policy.

The event was opened by Dean Hai Wen, the founding dean of PHBS and vice-chairman of the Peking University Council. His opening remarks highlighted that reforms and innovation are essential drivers of progress. "Deepening reforms and continuously introducing innovations have been the cornerstones of China’s development for the past 40 years," he stated, setting an optimistic tone for the discussions ahead.

Among the notable speakers at the forum was Professor Zhang Jin, Vice President of Peking University and Chancellor of the Shenzhen Graduate School. He discussed the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of supporting digital research platforms and fostering interdisciplinary professionals who can advance scientific discoveries through AI. His insights underscored the crucial role AI plays in modern research and development.

Li Yang, President of the National Development and Reform Commission, presented macroeconomic data, noting stable results at the start of the year. However, he also highlighted challenges such as dependency on external demand and weak levels of private investment. He called for a proactive fiscal and monetary policy, urging for more supportive measures to address issues in domestic consumption and private investments. His remarks emphasized the need for strategic actions to boost economic recovery amidst global uncertainties.

Furthermore, Wang Yiming from the Chinese Center for International Economic Exchange addressed the significance of technological innovation in rejuvenating the economy. He stressed the necessity for stronger connections between education, research, and talent development, indicating that a well-trained workforce is key for future advancements.

In the realm of international affairs, Peking University Professor Wang Yizhou pointed out the value of academic research in adapting to global changes. He discussed opportunities for deeper international engagement and the importance of updating perspectives to navigate the evolving landscape of global economics effectively.

Lu Mai, the former vice-chairman of the China Development Research Foundation, concluded the session with a call to invest in early childhood development, particularly in rural areas. He emphasized that the long-term prosperity of society is reliant on enhancing care, education, and nutrition for the youngest generations, framing this as a moral obligation and an economic necessity.

The PKU Shenzhen Forum, characterized by its interdisciplinary approach and diverse viewpoints, continues to serve as a vital platform for strategic dialogue. This event marks another step in PHBS’s efforts to foster meaningful discussions in economics, technology, and public policy, driving forward ideas that can influence both local and global discsussions. The collaborative spirit showcased at the forum illustrates a thriving academic and practical ecosystem dedicated to addressing contemporary challenges and shaping a better future.