The development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and big data has driven the growth of digitalization and the digital economy. While these advancements have transformed business models, communication methods, and fostered productivity and innovation, they have also introduced new challenges. Addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable economic and social development has become a key concern globally. To explore these issues, the Economics Department of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, in collaboration with the Innovation and Development Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Bayreuth, Germany, hosted the second "China-Germany Symposium on Digital Transformation and Aging Societies" from September 11th to 13th, 2023, in Beijing. The symposium brought together over 40 experts and scholars from institutions including Tsinghua University, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, Shanghai University, Central South University, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, the University of Bayreuth, the University of Regensburg, the University of Munich, the University of Nuremberg, the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, the Weiden University of Applied Sciences, and Newcastle University, UK.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Meng Fanchen, Director of the Economics Department at our university, who warmly welcomed the experts from both China and Germany. In his speech, he introduced the achievements and research progress made during the first symposium held in Shenzhen in February 2023. Professor Mu Rongping, Director of the Innovation and Development Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in his welcome address, reviewed the accomplishments of the past thirty years of China-Germany cooperation in innovation policy and strategy, and encouraged young scholars from both countries to strengthen exchanges to further the development of China-Germany scientific and technological collaboration. Professor Meckl from the University of Bayreuth summarized the cooperative research efforts of the China-Germany Innovation Management Research Team and expressed hope for continued collaboration in addressing the new challenges posed by digital technology development within the context of the digital economy.
During the two-day symposium, Chinese and international experts and scholars exchanged their latest research findings on topics such as corporate strategy and structure in digital transformation, digital technology, and aging societies. They engaged in in-depth discussions on policies and strategies for digital transformation, the development of digital technologies, key issues and technological support for future aging societies, and the digitalization of enterprises with a focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainable development. Additionally, they explored potential areas for future collaboration between China and Germany.
