On March 7, 2023, CCSEZR held a work conference for the second semester of the 2022-2023 academic year, with all members present. Prof. Tao chaired the conference.
Deputy Director Li Fan first summarized the 5th China Discipline Ranking in Theoretical Economics and assessment of the Key Research Institute of Humanities and Social Science of the Ministry of Education. She recognized the significance of teaching team building in discipline development. Then Prof. Li introduced the results of talent cultivation of CCSEZR and the relevant personnel system of SZU. Assistant Professor Ma Limei was awarded as 2022 “Liyuan Outstanding Youth of SZU”, and Dr. Luo Yifeng, Assistant Professor of Columbia University, has already been brought on board. In the first half of this year, a new round of exceptional young teachers will join in. Relying on the "Elite Project" of SZU, the talent team can be enriched by introducing first-rate postdoctoral fellows and researchers in the future.
Prof. Zhang Ping shared the results of scientific research, graduate students’ cultivation and micro major development. In scientific research, CCSEZR has published 45 papers in CSSCI and received 3.157 million yuan in project funding in 2022. CCSEZR's scientific research incentive measures are still being formulated. Teachers are encouraged to proactively apply for programs of the National Natural Science Foundation in China, the National Social Science Fund of China and the Ministry of Education. In graduate students’ cultivation, the teaching program will be continuously improved with well-assigned teachers to ensure teaching quality. In micro major development, three undergraduate courses of the first micro major of “Economics and Data Science” have been set up in the last semester, and the remaining five courses setting-up will be completed consecutively.
Dr. Li Tong introduced the regulations on the use of office space, water and electricity saving initiatives and the situation related to the talent apartment. He reminded the graduate advisors to pay attention to the employment and mental health of students and encourage them to actively participate in the activities launched by the Party branch. He also shared the training of the Party and government cadres in the new semester. According to him, administrative staff should strengthen self-improvement and continuously improve the quality of service. All teachers are welcome to propose improvement ideas to the office.
Prof. Tao made specific arrangements for the new semester and the year 2023. She emphasized that CCSEZR should stay committed to conducting the work based on the focal points of the work. First, scientific research and discipline development is the foundation and the top priority. CCSEZR will encourage and support all researchers, especially young- and middle-aged teachers to publish high-caliber academic articles by setting up awards for top research results, so as to further enhance the overall scientific research strength and increase the competitiveness and influence of the discipline in and outside of China. Second, a high-caliber academic team is a key support for sustainable development. At present, the building of the talent team is particularly important. Without a first-class academic team, it is impossible to set up a first-class discipline. In order to attract more talents, CCSEZR will set up "Professor of Entrepreneurship" positions through social forces, and offer eligible appointees more generous treatment. Third, teaching and talent fostering will be the priority in the future work of CCSEZR. The relatively independent undergraduate teaching by set-up of micro major is a valid step for sustainable development. Young teachers are expected to exploit their specialties in their respective fields and participate in the micro major development, with the emerging frontier and interdisciplinary disciplines in economics as the main focus. In addition, in terms of talent cultivation, CCSEZR will reward outstanding students with the "Yifeng-Jiebubao Scholarship" and support master and doctoral students to join in academic conferences and domestic and international study visits. Fourth, maintain CCSEZR's academic brand. CCSEZR will continue to encourage teachers to actively take part in the writing of Blue Book and collected papers through institutional arrangements. As this year marks the tenth anniversary of the "Belt and Road" initiative, we should publish the academic journal of Belt & Road Studies and the Loose-leaf Collection of Suggestions founded by Prof. Su Dongbin, so that it can play a more influential role in offering advice and suggestions to the government. In addition, the Index on Special Economic Zone Research (No. 6) should be well-written and published, and preparations for the 23rd World Special Economic Zone Development Forum will be made. Fifth, enhance the awareness of administrative services and the scientific and effective management of student work to ensure stable and orderly implementation and show the spirits of CCSEZR.
Prof. Tao said that CCSEZR is a united, harmonious, equal and win-win academic team, as well as an academic platform that benefits everyone. CCSEZR will provide every teacher with opportunities and freedom for career development by further improving the academic atmosphere and fully and effectively strengthening the sharing of academic resources. The meeting arranged and deployed various tasks for the new semester, getting off to a good start for the new development of the center.
