Forum emphasizes importance of engineering

The Chinese Academy of Engineering will promote innovation, expand international cooperation, and enhance its role as a strategic research body contributing to China's transformation into a science and technology powerhouse, Li Xiaohong, president of the academy, said on Thursday.

During the opening ceremony of the Sixth International Forum on Innovation and Emerging Industries Development, Li said that today, the world is undergoing profound change, with the pandemic having significant impact on social and economic development worldwide.

Given underlying conditions, new trends have emerged in engineering science and technology, including the integration of smart technology in a number of industries, the use of data resources and technology in research, the development of green and low carbon technology, and innovations and breakthroughs in public health, Li said.

"Engineering science and technology is the engine for promoting human progress, and a major tool in revolutionizing industry, economic growth and social development," he said.

Li said the Chinese Academy of Engineering will expand international partnerships to facilitate openness, collaboration, sharing and the mutual benefits of engineering, ensuring it is used for the betterment of all.

John L. Anderson, the president of the National Academy of Engineering of the United States, said in a video address that forums can help engineers, scholars, business leaders and policymakers across the globe work together.

Crises like the pandemic are not confined to one country or region, so global partnerships are essential in reducing their impact and disruption, Anderson said.

"Reaching across international borders allows for a better understanding of the interconnectivity of local challenges and provides us with opportunities to solve them," he said, adding that trilateral partnerships between engineering academies in the US, the United Kingdom and China "cannot be understated".

"I hope that as engineers, we ask ourselves how we can become change agents for good, and how to use a wider optic, approach challenges and work toward the betterment of all who share the planet," he said.