Exploring new avenues for collaboration
On July 2nd and 3rd, 2024, MCI welcomed a distinguished delegation from Wuhan University, China. The visiting delegation included Prof. Ruguo Fan from the School of Economics and Management, and Prof. Hao Li and Prof. Yi Cai from the School of Public Health. The visit aimed to strengthen the partnership between the two universities and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
The visit commenced on July 2nd with a meeting between the delegation and MCI’s International Relations Office to discuss mutual interests and potential exchange programs. Following this, a detailed discussion with the Department of Social, Health & Public Management was held, focusing on collaborative research and development projects. In the late afternoon, the guests enjoyed a city walk, providing an opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of Innsbruck. The day concluded with a dinner, facilitating informal networking and discussions.
On July 3rd, the delegation engaged in a series of meetings starting in the morning with the Business Management Department, followed by an in-depth exchange on health care systems and health care governance with Annette Leja, Director of the hospital Sanatorium Kettenbrücke and Prof. Ayman Fouda, the team of MCI’s Center for Social & Health Innovation on Health Care Governance.
A further significant meeting took place with Landesrätin Dr.in Cornelia Hagele, Minister for Health, Care, Education, Science, and Research for Tyrol, to discuss regional healthcare governance challenges. After a networking lunch, the delegation visited Innsbruck’s landmark mountain Nordkette, showcasing the region's natural beauty and offering a relaxed setting for continued discussion. The visit concluded with participation in the MCI Summer Lounge, fostering cultural exchange and further networking opportunities.
Several potential collaborations were identified during the visit. These include initiating student exchange programs, developing a joint online teaching offer to leverage the strengths of both institutions, and to establish a "Luojia-Alps Forum". A forum that should serve as a high-ranking discussion platform, co-hosted by MCI and Wuhan University. In a first edition. In 2025, the forum aims to reflect on the profound lessons learned over the past five years, following the immense challenges our regions faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The visit of the Wuhan University delegation to MCI has laid a strong foundation for future collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding between European and Chinese academic and research communities.