As the global economic system undergoes profound transformation, China’s pursuit of high-quality economic development faces a series of new tasks and challenges. Against this backdrop, the 6th Annual Conference on Applied Economics in China was held from May 10 to 11, 2025, in Lingang, Shanghai. Guided by the Academic Evaluation Group for Applied Economics of the Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council, the event was co-hosted by Renmin University of China and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. With the theme “The Resilience of China’s Economy: Facts and Prospects,” the conference brought together leading experts and scholars from across the country to discuss key issues such as resilient policy design in economic cycles, structural reform pathways, industrial transformation and upgrading, and the sustainability of local public finance. The goal was to contribute to the advancement of the applied economics discipline and provide insights to support national development strategies.
On May 10, eleven themed forums were held under the framework of applied economics. The forums addressed pressing issues of the time and explored cutting-edge research areas such as AI-driven finance, tax and fiscal reform, the digital economy and industrial systems, regional coordinated development, and digital platform governance. Professor Liu Weilin, Vice Dean of our institute, and Professor Zhou Mi, Director of the Center for Urban and Regional Economic Studies, delivered academic presentations at the industrial economics and regional economics forums, respectively. They shared their latest research findings, which were well received by attendees.
This conference is a flagship event in the field of applied economics in China. It not only reviewed the institutional experience of China in coping with external shocks but also introduced new questions, logics, and paradigms for future development. Industrial economics and regional economics are key components of Nankai University’s applied economics discipline. The participation of the two professors, representing the university’s young academic cohort, contributed to enhancing the disciplinary influence of our institute and strengthening academic exchange.
Looking ahead, our applied economics discipline will remain focused on addressing the “China question, world question, and people’s question,” and aim to build an independent knowledge system rooted in China. We will continue to expand academic cooperation and networks, deepen research exchange, and strengthen our capacity to “understand China and serve China” through academic innovation and contributions to national strategy.
