On December 14th and 15th, Professor Rick Shangraw, along with a delegation from Arizona State University, undertook a site visit to SUES’ industry partners engaged in Industry University Research Cooperation. The delegation received a warm welcome from SUES Vice President Xia Chunming, Director of the International Office Wang Qin, and heads of various departments and schools, including the Office of External Liaison, School of Urban Railway Transportation, School of Management Studies, International Institute of Creative Design, School of Art and Design, as well as School of Air Transportation and Flying.
Vice President Xia Chunming extended a warm welcome to Professor Rick Shangraw and emphasized SUES’ commitment to modern industrial education and its mission to serve economic and social development. SUES aims to build an integrated community that combines talent cultivation, technological research and development, and industry services, boasting national industry recognition and international influence. He expressed optimism that greater cooperation in more areas might be attained through this exchange, advancing the advancement of technology and education for both parties. Vice President Xia Chunming stated that the visits would promote deeper cooperation in the development of international talent and the merging of industry and academia.
Professor Rick Shangraw expressed gratitude for the considerate arrangements and congratulated SUES for its achievements in research, talent development, and industry university research cooperation. He emphasized the importance of international industry university research cooperation in addressing global challenges and looked forward to gaining insights into the latest developments and technological trends in relevant industries in Shanghai. Professor Shangraw aimed to deepen collaboration with SUES and jointly promote exchanges in various fields between the two universities. During the two-day visit, Professor Rick Shangraw and his delegation visited several enterprises, including the Training Center Shanghai Shentong Metro Group, G60 Sci-tech Innovation Corridor, Shanghai Renshou Tang Elderly Services (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Silk Road Digital Vision Co., Ltd., Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC),and Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ).
Professor Shangraw introduced Arizona State University’s research and practice experience in relevant fields, proposing potential cooperation opportunities in joint research projects, academic exchanges, and student training. In in-depth discussions with the visited enterprises, the delegation gained insights into the operational models, technological innovations, and future development plans of each enterprise. Both parties engaged in thorough consultations on talent development, technological innovation, industrial synergy, exploring how to better meet industry employment needs, and discussed on cooperation in academic research and technology transfer.
During the visit, a series of collaborative intentions were concurrently established, encompassing potential joint research projects, academic lectures, and student exchange programs. These collaborative initiatives will form a robust foundation for SUES’ extensive international cooperation in education, research, and industry collaboration, presenting more opportunities to enhance SUES’ academic prowess and global influence. This exchange created a solid foundation for future, larger international partnerships while also expanding SUES' collaborative possibilities.
This visit played a pivotal role in providing overseas universities with a vital platform to grasp the talent requirements of Shanghai’s key industries and foster the seamless integration of talent development with international practices. It carries substantial implications for enhancing SUES’ internationalization in talent cultivation and contributing to the establishment of a high-level, modern, engineering-focused university with an application-oriented approach.
