The China University Think Tank Forum held its annual conference at Fudan University on Dec 28.

Themed on "Building an Independent Knowledge System for Philosophy and Social Sciences: Cutting-edge Theories, Innovative Practices and Future Explorations", the event attracted nearly 300 experts from over 70 universities and 150 institutions across the country, along with representatives from more than 30 organizations and media outlets.

Yang Dan, president of BFSU and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, speaks at the China University Think Tank Forum. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Invited as a distinguished guest, Yang Dan, president of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, delivered a keynote address titled "Building Cross-disciplinary Innovation Platforms to Facilitate Independent Knowledge System Development".

In his speech, Yang provided a profound analysis on the contemporary values of collaborative research on country and area studies, international communication and international organizations, as well as its reasons, challenges and approaches. 

He highlighted the initiatives taken by BFSU and emphasized the need to establish cross-disciplinary innovation platforms for joint research, which entails the optimization of concepts, the creation of cross-disciplinary innovation networks, and one-stop aggregation of major demands. 

Yang also stressed the importance of integrating supply-side responses, fostering collaborative innovation, and ensuring efficient docking of supply and demand.

Yang Dan (1st L) is selected as a member of the strategic advisory committee for building an independent knowledge system in philosophy and social sciences in universities. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The forum witnessed the establishment of the strategic advisory committee for building an independent knowledge system in philosophy and social sciences in universities, with Yang appointed as a committee member. 

This committee, initiated by the Ministry of Education, aims to accelerate the development of China's independent knowledge system, enhance the overall capabilities of educational think tanks, and serve as a source of intellectual resources for these institutions. 

The committee will function as a core expert pool and advisory platform and explore new models for organized research planning, leveraging aggregated effects to strengthen new-type university think tanks with Chinese characteristics.