ACEM’s 10th IBSSC: Fostering Academia-Industry Collaboration with Huawei and NIO

Antai College Advisory Board and 10th IBSSC Discuss the Future of Business Education with Huawei and NIO

The 10th International Business School Shanghai Conference took place from October 23-25 at Antai College of Economics and Management (ACEM), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), under the theme "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Business." Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is one of China’s renowned universities, well-known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. The conference focused on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) on business operations, education, and ethical considerations. The event gathered over 200 business school deans, scholars, and entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries and regions.

The plenary session featured keynote speakers, including CHEN Fangruo, Dean of ACEM, and distinguished experts such as Dr. Erika H. James and Dr. Eric Bradlow from Wharton, Dr. Andrea Sironi from Bocconi University, Dr. Jikyeong Kang from the Asian Institute of Management, Dr. Madhav V. Rajan from Chicago Booth, and Academician Dr. E Weinan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Throughout the plenary session, parallel sessions, roundtable discussions, and entrepreneurial dialogues, participants engaged in discussions on topics such as AI-driven educational innovation, business school evolution, and the role of sustainability and social responsibility in business. CHEN Fangruo highlighted ACEM’s commitment to integrating industry, academia, and research, focusing on AI-enabled innovation in business education.

During the discussions, the deans from the Wharton School emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) is not merely a technological tool but a transformative force shaping the future of business education. Academician Dr. E. Weinan proposed that business school education be incorporated into the broader framework of university general education, thereby enhancing its relevance and applicability across disciplines. On October 26, ACEM held its International Advisory Board Meeting 2024, attended by 12 distinguished representatives, including university presidents, business school deans, education experts, and multinational corporate leaders. The meeting focused on reviewing ACEM’s progress and providing strategic advice for its future development. ZHOU Cheng, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of SJTU, emphasized the importance of international collaboration for both SJTU and ACEM and acknowledged the Meeting's vital role in shaping the college's future growth.

The Entrepreneurs' Dialogue featured William Li, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of NIO, who shared valuable insights into the company's strategic focus on intelligence and electrification. NIO's sustained investments in technological innovation and the development of its user community underscored the critical importance of AI across industries, including education. Li stressed that the education sector must not only adapt to AI but also take a leadership role in its integration.

Additionally, the participating deans visited Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. to explore avenues for strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. This visit provided valuable perspectives on how academic institutions can better align their curricula with industry needs and foster talent development in response to the rapidly changing business environment.

The conference at Shanghai Jiao Tong University successfully united global thought leaders to delve into Chinese business practices, with insights from industry giants Huawei and NIO. The event highlighted the critical role of cross-disciplinary integration, AI-driven innovation, and international collaboration in shaping the future of business education and practice. This gathering reinforced the importance of adapting to emerging technologies and fostering global partnerships to stay at the forefront of business development.

Editor's Note

The 10th International Business School Shanghai Conference at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) brought together over 200 global thought leaders to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business education and practice. Held from October 23-25, the event featured prominent speakers from top institutions and industry giants like Huawei and NIO. The conference discussions centered on AI-driven innovation, sustainability, and the evolving role of business schools in a rapidly changing world. This event underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary integration and international collaboration in shaping the future of business education. 

Skoobuzz emphasized that the conference showcased how academia and industry can collaborate to adapt to emerging technologies and develop innovative solutions for business growth.