On November 5, 2020, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, “China-Italy Year of Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship” was successfully launched at the China-Italy University Presidents’ Forum themed on “Innovation for Shared Future” jointly held by Tsinghua University and Politecnico di Milano. Leaders from 21 universities in China and Italy jointly participated in the launch ceremony of “China-Italy Year of Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship” co-hosted by Yang Bin (Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs of Tsinghua University) and Giuliano Noci (Vice President of Politecnico di Milano).
Illustration (a scene from the Forum)
“China-Italy Year of Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship” is jointly sponsored by Tsinghua University and Politecnico di Milano and organized by Innovation & Entrepreneurship Education Alliance of China and China-Italy Design Innovation Hub. Centering on the practical problems faced by the national economy and the society in the post-epidemic era, it will gather the strengths of universities and all sectors of society of the two countries to jointly explore new modes of training innovation and entrepreneurship talents, carry out new practice of innovation and entrepreneurship and hold tour exhibitions of innovative achievements made by Chinese and Italian youth. These activities will guide the young people of the two countries to actively adapt to the new normal of economic and social development, stimulate their innovative spirits, wheel them up for start-up business and cultivate their innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity towards “innovation-driven entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship-led employment and creation-upgraded industry”.
“China-Italy Year of Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship” advocates exploring new issues of human development in terms of innovation and cooperation, grasping the new tendency of the times with an inclusive and open mind and participating in the new trend of innovation with a positive and shared attitude. The activity is designed to promote the organic synergy between the chains of education on innovation and entrepreneurship and talent cultivation and the chains of industry and innovation, and facilitate the transformation of innovative achievements of design into strengths, in a bid to accelerate the upgrading of industries in the two countries, satisfy people’s aspiration for better life, and consolidate the sustainable development of global design.
Chen Xu, Secretary of the Party committee and Director of the College Affairs Committee of Tsinghua University, attended the ceremony and pointed out in his speech that “China-Italy Year of Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship” will gather innovative talent from universities at home and abroad and people from all walks of life, create a favorable atmosphere for innovation and entrepreneurship and cultivate more innovative and entrepreneurial leaders for the exchanges in this aspect between the youth of the two countries, so as to contribute to the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy. Tsinghua University is willing to work with its Chinese and Italian partners to inherit the spirits of the “Silk Road” and promote innovation in technology and policy solutions, in order to inject new vitality into the global sustainable development.
Ferruccio Resta, President of Politecnico di Milano and Chairman of the Conference of Italian University Rectors said that challenged by the global impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, the strong friendship between Politecnico di Milano and Tsinghua University enables us to share our social responsibility, lead the innovation and transformation of higher education in the new situation, and jointly explore the international innovative university model with deep traditional foundation.
“China-Italy Year of Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship” will gather innovative talent from universities at home and abroad and people from all walks of life, create a favorable atmosphere for innovation and entrepreneurship and cultivate more innovative and entrepreneurial leaders for the exchanges in this aspect between the youth of the two countries, so as to contribute to the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy. It will also promote innovation in technology and policy solutions, in order to inject new vitality into the global sustainable development.
