An agreement to promote academic exchange between the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) in Austria and the Dalian University of Technology (DUT) in China was ceremoniously signed online on July 11^th 2023.

The online signing ceremony began with warm welcome speeches from Professor Chongling HUANG, Head of Education Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Austria and Director LIU, a representative from the Foreign Affairs Office of Dalian City. Both distinguished guests played a significant role in establishing the connection between the dynamic MCI and the renowned DUT.

Prof. Xin YE, Dean of the School of Economics and Management at DUT, briefly introduced the educational institutions, research focus, and academic programs. He emphasized that this partnership would not only benefit students and researchers from both institutions but also foster mutual understanding between Dalian and Innsbruck.

Prof. Andreas Altmann, Rector of the MCI, was equally joyful in his address. He highlighted MCI's extensive experience in international collaboration and emphasized that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious DUT would not only strengthen academic exchange and joint research but also provide students with valuable international experience.

Following the inspiring speeches, the MoU was signed by the official representatives of both universities, who joyfully demonstrated the signed agreement on the screen, spanning over 8200 km. This symbolic act marked the official beginning of the cooperation.

Subsequently, Dr. Susanne Lichtmannegger, Associate Dean International Relations of MCI, and Prof. Jinxuan LIU, Associate Dean International Office of DUT, reiterated the importance of intercultural exchange and cooperation between the two universities. They emphasized the many opportunities for both short and long-term exchange programs to further strengthen collaboration.

Also present at the online signing ceremony were Prof. Xianneng LI, Associate Dean of the School of Economics and Management, Ms. Jingyuan AI, Director of International Cooperation and Accreditation Office, as well as Ms. Xuejiao ZHANG, Project Manager International Office.

Prof. Wei Manske-Wang, Head of the MCI China Center, and Ms. Xia CHU, Supervisor of the International Cooperation and Accreditation Office of DUT, jointly moderated the international ceremony.

The successful signing of the MoU between the Dalian University of Technology and the Management Center Innsbruck lays the foundation for long-term and fruitful cooperation. Both universities are confident that this partnership will lead to new insights, innovations, and deeper cross-border understanding. Strengthening academic exchange will undoubtedly broaden the horizons of students and faculty at both institutions and make a positive contribution to the global education community.