The first “Integration of Industry and Education, Convergence of Science and Education” Cooperation and Development Conference was successfully held, and BiUH signed strategic cooperation agreements with renowned enterprises.

On March 22, 2024, the Li’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone in Lingshui, Hainan, hosted the first “Integration of Industry and Education, Convergence of Science and Education” Cooperation and Development Conference. Esteemed educators, scientists, and entrepreneurs from around the world convened to discuss new mechanisms for integrating industry and education, new pathways for merging science and education, and new models for international educational cooperation. This event aims to write a new chapter in the transformation of Hainan Free Trade Port’s educational services industry and the rise of emerging, strategic industries.

Among the attendees were Hainan’s Vice Governor, Xie Jing; Li Hu, Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee for Education, Director and Party Group Secretary of the Provincial Education Department; and Wu Haifeng, Party Committee Secretary and Director of the Li’an Pilot Zone Management Bureau and Secretary of the Lingshui Li Nationality Autonomous County Committee. Representatives from prestigious institutions including Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Communication University of China, Northeast Forestry University, Minzu University of China, Beijing Sport University, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, and Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences were also present.

In his speech, Li Hu highlighted that the Li’an Pilot Zone is a key component in Hainan’s strategy to explore new developmental pathways. He outlined three main objectives: first, to explore new collaborative models in education that serve industries, enterprises, and society, and to elevate the educational capabilities of schools; second, to build a new collaborative framework for tackling significant strategic national and regional needs, guiding enterprises and universities in joint research to break through key technological barriers in major industries; and third, to create a new system of collaborative development that optimizes the integration of industry and education, develops talent for transforming scientific research into practical applications, and promotes the establishment of a mutually beneficial integrated development system for industry and education.

At the conference, Wu Haifeng delivered a speech stating that the Li’an Pilot Zone has officially established a “triple drive” system composed of international education, technological R&D, and industrial development, which complement and reinforce each other. The focus will be on improving the business environment, talent acquisition, technology, and other areas. First, the Zone will provide support and convenience for universities and enterprises in terms of project implementation, resource guarantees, talent introduction, and ancillary services. Second, through a “1+3+N” academic and professional system, it aims to pave a career advancement path for vocational talents and establish a growth platform for industrial development talents in higher education institutions. Third, a technology innovation system is to be established, centered around educational services and the digital economy, driven by enterprises, market-oriented, and deeply integrated with education, science, and industry, continuously enhancing the capacity for technology provision and industrial incubation.

Furthermore, a tripartite agreement was signed between Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, Crazy Sports Group Limited, and the Li’an Pilot Zone. Wei Guilei, CEO of Crazy Sports Group Limited, expressed that in response to the future development opportunities in Hainan, Crazy Sports will collaborate with Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and other institutions to establish an artificial intelligence laboratory, providing strong support for Hainan’s technological innovation and industrial upgrading. Crazy Sports will also establish a leading internet sports product development center in Hainan, utilizing the talent advantages of the Li’an Pilot Zone to create a top-tier internet sports innovation and R&D base. Crazy Sports plans to deepen cooperation with the government, universities, and enterprises to promote the development of the internet, sports, and artificial intelligence sectors in Hainan, aiming for mutual benefits and collaborative success.

The conference was guided by the Li’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone Council and the Hainan Provincial Education Department, hosted by the Li’an Pilot Zone Management Bureau, and organized by the Li’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone Development and Construction Company.