From October 12 to 18, ZIBS delegation visited Spain and Italy during which BEN Shenglin, Dean of ZIBS, attended the International Advisory Board meeting of the Graduate School of Management at Politecnico di Milano, and led the delegation to visit Pompeu Fabra University in Spain, the University of Turin, and Politecnico di Milano in Italy, and met with Zhejiang University alumni and leading local enterprises to actively explore and expand multi-level and broad-based cooperation.
On October 14, the ZIBS delegation visited the Barcelona School of Management at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF BSM). During the meeting with UPF BSM Dean Llorenç Bagur and his team, Chuenping Lam, Principal Advisor of China Global Strategy at UPF BSM, and Qianying Zhou, Executive Director of China Global Strategy at UPF BSM, reviewed past collaboration between the two schools and shared updates on UPF BSM's recent developments. Both parties had in-depth discussions on topics such as student exchanges and high-level research innovation. They agreed that enhancing communication between young scholars and students from both schools would contribute significantly to cultivating global business leaders and advancing education for sustainable development.
During the delegation's stay in Italy, ZIBS engaged in productive discussions with the University of Turin, further reinforcing the strong foundation of the long-term strategic partnership. On October 15, the ZIBS delegation met with ZIBS students participating in the ToItaly Autumn Program and hosted a welcome dinner. The delegation then accompanied the students on a visit to Juventus Football Club, where ZIBS explored potential collaborations with Juventus in sports management and International Branding, opening new avenues for academic research and industry practice integration.
On the same day, the ZIBS delegation held a meeting with Giovanni B. Andornino, Director of the TOChina Hub and Assistant Professor of International Relations of East Asia at University of Torino. They discussed the regularization of mutual overseas study tour programs and further deepening of cooperation in different areas.
At Milan, the ZIBS delegation held in-depth meetings with Raffaella Cagliano, Dean of the Graduate School of Management at Politecnico di Milano, Sergio Terzi, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Management at Politecnico di Milano. Both teams expressed a willingness to achieve higher-level of closer collaboration in joint research, student and faculty exchanges. These discussions laid the foundation for future multi-level cooperation.
At the International Advisory Board meeting of the Graduate School of Management at Politecnico di Milano, BEN Shenglin shared and exchanged insights on ZIBS strategic positioning and development with members from renowned business schools and institutions. The meeting fostered potential collaborations between ZIBS and institutions such as the University of Toronto, Imperial College London, and IE Business School in Spain, injecting new momentum into ZIBS academic cooperation and development in the region.
On the afternoon of October 17, the ZIBS delegation met with Giuliano Noci, Vice-Rector for China of Politecnico di Milano, to discuss possibilities for higher-level international cooperation and joint research initiatives. Both sides identified strong alignment in disciplinary strengths and educational philosophies, reaffirming their commitment to deepening mutually beneficial relationship based on long-standing collaboration.
During the visit, the ZIBS delegation also met with MA Zhuomin, Honorary President of Zhejiang University Spain Alumni Association, CAI Maosheng, President of Zhejiang University Italian Alumni Association, as well as leading local enterprises in Spain and Italy, such as Obsidian Capital SGR. These meetings expanded opportunities for international internships for students and strengthened the global alumni network.
The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy. The series of global engagements by ZIBS reflect its confidence in expanding its influence worldwide. Looking ahead, ZIBS is committed to serving China's educational opening-up, continuing to promote China-Europe cultural exchanges, integrating global educational resources, and contributing to its own development as well as the collaboration between China and Europe.
