In order to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Party, actively promote the educational campaign on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, expedite the progress of the university's student core literacy development project, and emphasize the enhancement of students' innovative and entrepreneurial abilities, the Faculty of Economics and Management at the Open University of China (OUC) convened a meeting on 1 June 2023, to mobilize and organise the First New Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.
Fan Xianrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the OUC, attended the event and delivered a speech.
Fan Xianrui highlighted that during the fifth group study session of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed that when education in a country thrives, the country will thrive, stating that strong education leads to a strong nation. This meeting clearly showcased the immense importance that the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, places on education and their fervent expectations for supporting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by establishing a leading educational country. In recent years, both the Party and the state have placed significant emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, resulting in a series of significant decisions and initiatives. The Ministry of Education has made commendable efforts to establish the China International "Internet +" College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, which has served as a key driver in advancing the educational reforms related to innovation and entrepreneurship in colleges and universities. The OUC has proactively integrated itself into the mainstream of higher education and has consistently participated in the China International "Internet +" College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, achieving notable success for three consecutive years.
Fan emphasized the importance of earnestly studying and implementing the guiding principles from General Secretary Xi Jinping's significant speech during the fifth group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. The focus should be on steadily advancing the thematic education campaign and central work. In order to successfully host the First New Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, Fan Xianrui presented three requirements. Firstly, it is crucial to foster a culture of learning through competition and nurture a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The competition should serve as a platform to inspire students' creativity, strengthen their determination and qualities, and broaden their perspectives. This will enable them to enhance their knowledge and capabilities in innovation and entrepreneurship. Secondly, the competition should promote teaching through competition and explore innovative approaches to open education. Emphasizing the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship education in management disciplines, the competition should play a significant role in deepening educational reforms and effectively enhancing students' innovative mindset, entrepreneurial mindset, and abilities in innovation and entrepreneurship. Lastly, the competition should drive innovation by encouraging the transformation of competition results and maintaining a strong focus on the comprehensive development of students' innovation and entrepreneurship.
Tian Suxia, deputy dean of the OUC Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development, summarized the accomplishments and valuable experience of the university in the China International "Internet +" College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. She emphasized the significant role that the competition plays in advancing the reform of talent development models in open education and harnessing the innovation and entrepreneurial potential of students from open universities.
Dr. Liu Tengfei from the Faculty of Economics and Management addressed key questions raised by teachers and students regarding the implementation plan of the competition. He also organised and outlined the necessary materials for the competition.
The participants engaged in a detailed discussion with the experts on specific matters, such as determining the topic selection and establishing participating teams. Everyone acknowledged that this activity has served as crucial support for hosting the First New Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. The Faculty of Economics and Management views this competition as an opportunity to advance innovation and entrepreneurship education and contribute to the high-quality development of the university.
The activity took place in both online and offline formats, attracting nearly 1,500 participants from the Faculty of Economics and Management at the headquarters, as well as other relevant departments and over 40 branches (schools). Ge Junyi, deputy dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, served as the host for the event.
Written by Lin Lin and photographed by Pei Haiyan and Lin Lin, OUC