In order to fully implement China's strategy for revitalizing the country through science and education, workforce development, and innovation-driven development, efforts were made to foster the integration of vocational and general education, industry and education, and research and education.
On 18 June 2023, Fan Xianrui, vice president of the Open University of China (OUC) and member of the university's Party Committee, led a team to attend the opening ceremony of the University Science Park of Tianjin Haihe Education Park. The ceremony was also graced by the presence of Zhang Zongwang, president of Tianjin Open University and member of the university's Party Committee. During the event, both sides witnessed the signing of a framework contract for the establishment of the "Innovation Collaboration Centre for Technology Integration and Application of E-learning," a joint effort between the Engineering Research Centre for Technology Integration and Application of E-Learning under the Ministry of Education and the University Science Park of Tianjin Haihe Education Park. Representatives from the OUC's Reform and Development Department, as well as the Engineering Centre, were also involved in the proceedings.
Fan expressed congratulations on the inauguration of the University Science Park of Tianjin Haihe Education Park and expressed hopes for its growth and development. Fan envisioned the park as the leading hub for commercializing scientific and technological achievements, an incubator for innovation and entrepreneurship, and a breeding ground for emerging industries in Jinnan, Tianjin. This, in turn, would contribute to local economic and social development. Fan highlighted that the OUC plays a significant role in fostering virtue through education, promoting the integration of education and technology development, and establishing a nationwide open education system. By doing so, the OUC contributes to enhancing education equity, advancing higher education, and building a lifelong learning education system accessible to all.
Additionally, Fan emphasized that the Engineering Research Centre, recognizing the demand for high-quality and personalized lifelong education at scale, is dedicated to cultivating top-tier talents in the field of E-learning technologies. The Centre serves as a bridge for the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. Fan underscored the commitment of the OUC to leverage the "Innovation Collaboration Centre for Technology Integration and Application of E-learning," jointly established by the Engineering Research Centre, the University Science Park of Tianjin Haihe Education Park, and Tianjin Open University as the main stakeholder. Through this collaboration, the OUC will conduct engineering research and technological innovation, with a specific focus on areas such as cross-border e-commerce, big data, AI+, and cybersecurity. The aim is to strengthen cooperation and exchange in terms of course resources, practical training facilities, technology application, and commercialization. This will further promote the integration of production and education, research and education, and continually enhance the practical impact and international influence of digital education in China. Ultimately, the objective is to contribute the power of open education to the development of education as a whole.
By Wang Xuliang, OUC