The event, organised by the Lancaster China Management Centre, was the third conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship to be jointly organised between LUMS and Wuhan University in Hubei Province, China.

The aim of the conference was to enhance understanding of the theory, practice and policy of innovation and entrepreneurship in China and to explore how this example may be relevant to other transitional economies. The conference is part of LCMC’s ongoing commitment to facilitate a growing network of international researchers interested in innovation and entrepreneurship in China.

The conference was opened by Professor Andrew Atherton and Professor David Brown from LUMS. Keynote speeches were delivered by a range of high profile speakers from across China, Europe and the USA, including Professor Atherton, Professor Xueyuan Liu  from  Wuhan University Management School, Professor Garry D. Bruton of Texas Christian University and Professor Xiande Zhao of China Europe International Business School.  Lively panel sessions discussed topics such as internal organisational innovation, organisational processes and policy practice.

Participants also attended a gala dinner on the first night of the conference, which was opened by the new Associate Dean for International, Professor David Simm. On the second day of the conference, delegates attended a session on practice organised by the Lancaster China Catalyst Programme. This concluded with an inspirational keynote speech by Professor Max von Zediwitz, a renowned expert in global innovation, R&D and product development.  On the final day, delegates were taken on a tour of the Lake District to experience the beauty of the Cumbrian landscape.

Professor David Brown, organiser and Director of the LCMC, said: “Since 2012, Lancaster and Wuhan Universities have built a strong relationship aimed at cultivating research connections between the UK and China. This conference provided a rewarding opportunity for researchers and practitioners from across the globe to come together, share ideas and discuss the implications of innovation and entrepreneurship policies and practices in China and beyond. We were delighted so many of our Chinese colleagues could attend and look forward to welcoming them to Lancaster again.”