An international joint innovation center was launched by Zhejiang University (ZJU) and the Haining municipal government at a cooperation conference held in Haining on Aug 27.

The center will operate under the purview of Zhejiang province and ZJU and will focus on gathering innovative resources and developing the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region, said local authorities.

The International Campus of ZJU, along with its four laboratories and research platforms, signed a cooperation agreement at the conference to set up operations in the center in the future.

The campus was co-built by ZJU and Haining to explore new models of higher education that combine advanced practices and experiences throughout the world. It was granted approval from the Ministry of Education in October 2015.

Wu Zhaohui, president of ZJU, pointed out that both sides should seize the opportunities provided by the integration of the YRD region, build ZJU's international campus into a demonstration area for international cooperation in higher education, promote cooperation in a new, open way, and enhance regional capacity for independent innovation.

Zhu Jianjun, Party chief of Haining, said that the campus has become a driving force behind the city's sci-tech innovation, as well as an important platform for the introduction and cultivation of talents. He said that both sides should deepen cooperation and create a better environment for innovation.

Both sides signed an agreement on comprehensive strategic cooperation on Dec 26, 2017. Since then, they have promoted 44 projects, covering five main areas including developmental strategy, scientific research, talent, medication and campus construction. 

Wu Zhaohui, president of ZJU, and Cao Guoliang, major of Haining, jointly launch the international joint innovation center. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]