Author：Jiang Xiaodan, Liu Xuhui, Li Xiaowen

Publisher: People's Daily  

Date: December 3, 2024

The 60th Guangzhou New Observation Academic Roundtable Conference was held on November 28-29, 2024, in Baiyun District, Guangzhou. Jointly hosted by Jinan University, the Guangzhou Federation of Science and Society, and Southern Daily News, the conference aimed to explore pathways for Guangzhou to achieve high-quality development and contribute to China's modernization.

(At the conference)

Experts and scholars from various regions, including Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area, gathered at the Guangdong Songyuan Hotel to discuss the development of new quality productivity tailored to local conditions. The conference featured keynote speeches and discussions focusing on urban governance, technological innovation, and the role of education in fostering high-quality productivity.

 Key Themes and Discussions:

1. Enhancing Urban Innovation and Governance Capability  

Experts emphasized the importance of effective urban governance as a driver of high-quality economic development. Lu Ming, a distinguished professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, discussed the relationship between innovation, government, and urban development in the post-industrial era. Professor Wang Jun highlighted the need for institutional support for innovation activities characterized by high barriers to entry and rapid changes. He Yanling from Peking University explored urban development attributes and governance responsibilities in the context of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

2. Leading Industrial Innovation with Technological Innovation  

The conference addressed how technological innovation can lead industrial transformation and enhance productivity. Zhang Zhengang from South China University of Technology discussed the need for collaborative mechanisms among innovation entities, while Zhang Hui from Peking University stressed the integration of traditional industries with emerging sectors to drive economic growth.

3. Digitization Promotes the Development of New Quality Productivity  

The rapid advancement of digital technologies was recognized as a catalyst for industrial transformation. Chen Junlong, an academician at South China University of Technology, spoke about the explosive growth of generative artificial intelligence since the launch of ChatGPT and its potential applications across various sectors. He emphasized the importance of data, computing power, and algorithms in advancing AI technologies.

4. Empowering New Quality Productivity with Higher Education  

The role of talent and education in enhancing productivity was a focal point of discussion. Qu Sentinels, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), shared insights on educational reforms aimed at building world-class universities and fostering innovation. He emphasized the university's commitment to addressing national strategic needs and cultivating leaders in key areas through education and research.

The conference concluded with constructive dialogue among participants, leading to numerous recommendations for advancing Guangzhou's development and integrating it into the broader national framework. The event underscored the collaborative efforts required to harness innovation, technology, and education to drive high-quality growth in the region.