The theme of the Forum was ‘Innovation and Collaboration’. Universities today recognise the need to work closely with non-academic partners to ensure the practical application of their research and to make available the best opportunities for their students.
Delegates heard examples of innovative working methods within the UK and China, with speakers from the University of Bristol, the Technology Strategy Board, Tongji University, the University of the West of England, the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, Hunan University, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, The Watershed, the National Composites Centre and BAE Systems. Attendees included 20 senior representatives of top Chinese universities as well as UK university pro vice-chancellors and colleagues.
Professor Nick Lieven, University of Bristol Pro Vice-Chancellor and host of the event, said: ‘The link between academia, industry and commerce is a global imperative for the higher education sector. The opportunity to share thoughts with senior academic colleagues from leading Chinese universities gives us a unique and valuable insight into how we might collaborate across the national boundaries for mutual long-term benefit.’