The 2025 Jiangsu International Exchange Week on the Cooperation and Integration of Industry, Education, Research & Application opened on Oct 27 at Soochow University, marking a new milestone in global higher education collaboration.

Yang Shubing, deputy director of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, noted that since 2023, the International Exchange Week has been held twice, resulting in more than 100 international cooperation agreements. Over 300 distinguished overseas mentors and industry experts have joined Jiangsu's universities, fostering stronger partnerships among schools, research institutions, and enterprises at home and abroad.

At the opening ceremony, the Jiangsu–Africa University Cooperation Alliance was launched. Jointly initiated by Nanjing Tech University and the University of Johannesburg, the alliance brings together 13 universities from Jiangsu and 23 institutions from 13 African countries. The alliance will focus on talent cultivation, scientific and technological innovation, and cultural exchange, establishing a long-term and practical platform for high-level dialogue and cooperation.

Nanjing Tech University has achieved notable progress in China–Africa collaboration. Through its Confucius Institute at the University of Johannesburg, it has established the China–South Africa Chemical and Environmental Joint Research Center and the China–South Africa High-Tech Joint Incubator.

"The alliance will share high-quality educational resources, strengthen joint research and innovation, and advance cooperation on global challenges such as climate change and public health," said Nanjing Tech University President Jiang Juncheng. "It will also deepen cultural exchange and mutual understanding, reinforcing the foundation of China–Africa friendship."

The Top 10 International Cooperation Achievements of Jiangsu Universities were also unveiled. Among them, the China–Portugal Belt and Road Joint Laboratory for Cultural Heritage Conservation Science drew particular attention.

Established in 2020 by Soochow University, the City University of Macau, and the University of Evora in Portugal, the lab has completed 16 restoration projects on world heritage and landmark buildings, developed 26 patented materials and technologies, and made significant strides in training international professionals in heritage protection.

Soochow University President Zhang Qiao highlighted the university's commitment to integrating academic learning with real-world practice. "We are breaking down the walls between universities and society — bringing enterprise labs onto campus and taking our classrooms into companies," he said.