On March 20th, 2025, a delegation led by Cai Yihong, Vice President of the China-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Chairman and CEO of Shanghai Fupeng Green Technology Environmental Protection Group Co., Ltd., visited the Oliver Hart Research Center for Contracts and Governance at East China University of Science and Technology (referred to as the "Hart Center") to discuss in-depth strategic cooperation in industry, academia, and research. The delegation was warmly received by Prof. Wu Yuyun, Executive Director of the Hart Center, Director of the Laboratory for Urban and Regional Analysis, and Professor of the Department of Economics at the Business School, as well as Dr. Zhang Chenfeng, who also participated in the talks.

    Prof. Wu Yuyun first extended a sincere welcome to the delegation on behalf of the Hart Center and systematically introduced the academic strengths of East China University of Science and Technology and its Business School. He noted that the Business School, leveraging the university's research capabilities in chemical engineering, new energy, new materials, and biopharmaceuticals, has innovatively established an integrated talent cultivation model of "Business + Engineering + Science + Technology" (iBEST). The school boasts three first-level discipline doctoral programs and a 5+1 professional degree training system, consistently ranking among the top in mainland China in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. As the first research institution in China named after a Nobel laureate in Economics, the Hart Center focuses on the study of incomplete contract theory and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and is committed to building a collaborative innovation platform for industry, academia, and research.

    Chairman Cai Yihong expressed high admiration for the academic influence of the Hart Center and provided a detailed introduction to the development of the China-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Fupeng Green Technology. He highlighted that Fupeng Green Technology, as a leading enterprise in the field of environmental protection technology, has always adhered to the philosophy of "innovation-driven sustainable development" and has accumulated substantial technical reserves in new material R&D, intelligent detection equipment manufacturing, and environmental protection product manufacturing. Based on a thorough analysis of the strengths of both parties, he proposed three strategic cooperation directions: First, in the field of material science, he suggested establishing a joint laboratory with East China University of Science and Technology, entrusting professorial teams to tackle cutting-edge technologies, with the company providing dedicated research funding. Second, in the field of intelligent detection, he proposed integrating the technical strengths of both sides to develop portable automated detection devices, breaking through the size and cost limitations of traditional detection instruments. Third, in the ESG field, he planned to jointly build a demonstration base, introduce resources from the Global ESG Leaders Forum, and jointly cultivate benchmark enterprises for sustainable development.

    Professor Wu Yuyun emphasized that the Hart Center has always been committed to integrating economic theory with industrial practice, with ESG research being one of the center's key development directions. Cooperation between the two parties in new material R&D, intelligent equipment manufacturing, and ESG aligns with the national innovation strategy and fits perfectly with the Business School's iBEST talent cultivation model. He suggested that both sides quickly sign a strategic cooperation agreement, establish a regular communication mechanism, and gradually deepen cooperation through specific projects. In the future, they could explore the joint establishment of a research center or an industry-oriented school.

    This round of talks marks the official launch of the strategic cooperation between the Hart Center and Fupeng Green Technology. Both parties will seize this opportunity to fully leverage their respective strengths and engage in comprehensive cooperation in new material technology R&D, intelligent detection equipment innovation, and ESG system construction. They aim to jointly promote collaborative innovation between the university and the enterprise, injecting new momentum into the sustainable and high-quality development of enterprises, industries, and regional economies.