Co-organizers:

the Department of Politics, University of Surrey

the Chinese Economic Association (Europe/UK)

In cooperation with the Institute of International Studies of Shandong University

This inaugural event is a timely reflection on the major trends that have arisen from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the past year. Bringing together a range of renounced scholars, decision-makers and analysis, the University of Surrey’s Centre for Britain and Europe and the Chinese Economic Association, together with the Institute of International Studies of Shandong University, warmly welcome attendees to review the impact of Covid on east-west relations from a variety of perspectives. The half-day online forum will provide a range of insightful analysis on British, European and Chinese approaches to rebuilding economics, business, varying forms of innovation as well as their political relationship, exploring the role of trade, digital techonology, education, entrepreneurship, as well as key developments including the recent EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment.

Participants are requested to register via Eventbrite and will be sent a Zoom link 24 hours prior to the event.

EVENT PROGRAMME

Please note that all times listed below are GMT.

09:00-09:30: Welcome Session (Moderator: Professor Yu Xiong)

• Professor Max Lu, President and Vice Chancellor, University of Surrey

• Professor Amelia Hadfield, Dean International and Director of the Centre for Britain and Europe

• Professor Yuan Li, Vice Dean of Institute of International Studies, and Professor of School of Northeast Asia Studies, Shandong University

• Professor Yu Xiong, Chinese Economic Association President and Associate Dean International, University of Surrey

09:30-09:55: Economics

• Professor Shujie Yao, Professor of Economics and Deputy Dean of Faculty of Social Science Chongqing University: China’s International Trade in Post Pandemic Period

• Professor Martin Fransman, University of Edinburgh: Building Back Better by Innovating Better

09:55-10:20: Innovation and Technology

• Professor Thomas Hoerber, EU-Asia Institute, ESSCA: Reviewing EU & China space innovations

• Prof Wim Vanhaverbeke, Professor of Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Surrey: Digital technology adoption in healthcare: Covid-19 and different approaches in Europe and China

10:20-10:30: Break

10:30 - 11:00: Comparative Perspectives, Chaired by Professor Liming Wang, University College Dublin

• Dr. Prem Sharma, OBE, Chairman: Magna Carta World Peace and Sustainability: How to respond to the change of social behaviour after Covid-19

• Professor Rongping Mu, Chinese Academy of Science: Innovation-driven Development Performance: Framework and Measurement

11:00 - 11:25: Politics

• Emeritus Professor Emil J. Kirchner, Jean Monnet Chair, Co-ordinator of the Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence, University of Essex: Will the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment significantly alter the pattern of EU-China relations?

• Prof. Zhang Yunling, Dean of Institute of International Studies, Shandong University: Main Changes and Challenges in the post-Covid Era

11:25 - 11:50: Business

• Professor Ji Bo, Chief Representative for Europe and Assistant Dean for Global Executive Education, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB): Opportunities and Strategies for China's Innovative Companies to Expand in Europe

• Professor Peter Williamson, University of Cambridge, Judge Business School: De-Globalisation and Decoupling: Post-Covid-19 Myths Versus Realities

11:50 - 12:00: Concluding Remarks

• Professor Amelia Hadfield, Dean International and Director of the Centre for Britain and Europe

Reviewing Post-Covid Economics, Business, Innovation and Politics