A Milestone for Academic Collaboration

IBSS Corporate News | September 5, 2024

The International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and the IQS School of Management, Ramon Llull University (IQS) in Spain, have established a significant collaborative initiative this summer. Between June and August 2024, eight researchers from IQS—five faculty members and three visiting PhD students—participated in academic exchanges at IBSS, further strengthening ties between the two institutions.

The IQS faculty included Dr. Flavio Comim, Dr. Mihály Borsi, Dr. Octasiano M. Valerio Mendoza, Dr. Meritxell Saez Cornellana, and Dr. Juan Albacete Maza, who stayed for up to three months. Additionally, three IQS PhD students—Rallou Taratori, Marina Ferraz, and Ying Ni—joined the program, along with Dr. May Aye Naw Thiri from the University of Tokyo, who visited under the same EU funding for two weeks.

Strategic Collaboration and Joint Research Initiatives

Professor Jorg Bley, Dean of IBSS, warmly welcomed the visiting IQS team and facilitated strategic discussions with IBSS management and directors of the Research Centres of Excellence (RCEs). The meetings explored various collaborative opportunities, including undergraduate exchanges, summer schools, faculty and PhD exchanges, joint research workshops, and shared conferences.

On June 21, IBSS and IQS co-hosted the Structural Transformation and Sustainable Development workshop, led by Dr. Ye Bai, Dr. Vi Cao, and Dr. Fan Liu (IBSS), alongside Dr. Octasiano M. Valerio Mendoza (IQS). Experts and scholars from both universities presented and discussed papers, delving into sustainable development and the Chinese economy. Professor Ewout van der Schaft, Associate Dean for Internationalisation at IBSS, highlighted the workshop’s alignment with IBSS's mission of connecting East and West, conducting impact-driven research, and fostering sustainable economic development.

Dr. Flavio Comim, Dean of IQS, noted in his opening remarks:
"We are here not just to exchange knowledge but to engage in respect, contemplation, and a deep understanding of what China has accomplished."

The workshop featured discussions on over ten research papers, offering diverse perspectives on sustainability and Chinese economic practices. Dr. Ye Bai closed the event, emphasizing shared goals and future opportunities for collaboration.

Engaging Workshops and Training Sessions

On July 9, Dr. Flavio Comim conducted two engaging workshops for IBSS undergraduate students:

• “How to Get into Cambridge? Tips for Applying to International Master’s Programmes”
• “How to Work for the United Nations?”

Organized by Dr. Yingchan Luo and Dr. Fan Liu (IBSS), these workshops drew over 50 participants, offering valuable insights and practical advice. A student attendee remarked, “Dr. Comim’s answers were incredibly insightful and inspiring.”

On July 10, Dr. Meritxell Saez Cornellana led a workshop on Introduction to Machine Learning for IBSS faculty and PhD students. Organized by Dr. Ye Bai and Dr. Fan Liu (IBSS), the session provided a comprehensive overview of supervised and unsupervised learning techniques, attracting over 50 participants. The workshop offered practical examples and was praised for its engaging and accessible content.

PhD Student Exchanges and Mentorship

During their three-month stay, the visiting PhD students from IQS were hosted and mentored by IBSS faculty, including Dr. Yaxiong Li, Dr. Gengyang Tu, and Dr. Fan Liu. This exchange marked a new milestone in research collaboration, fostering innovative approaches and cross-cultural academic development.

A Vision for Future Collaboration

The successful IQS visit underscores IBSS's commitment to fostering global partnerships and connecting East and West through impactful research and education. This initiative not only deepened academic ties but also contributed to addressing global challenges in sustainable development.

Looking ahead, IBSS remains dedicated to exploring innovative solutions with like-minded partners, strengthening its role as a bridge between cultures and advancing collaborative excellence in education and research.