Background:
Last week, Ryerson University completed the signing of an MOU with Tsinghua University’s School of Economics and Management (SEM).
Ryerson’s deepening ties with Tsinghua SEM is the result of many years of strategic engagement (including previous meetings by VPRI during past missions to China). Recently, through the Canada-China Institute for Business and Development (CCIBD), TRSM was co-host of the SEM/Oxford University collaborative Academy of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIM) Conference. Most recently, during Dr. Wendy Cukier’s mission to China (as part of Premier Wynne’s trade delegation) it was agreed in principle that Ryerson and SEM will enter into an MOU agreement that will position Ryerson as a standing collaborator on the conference; that will engage Ryerson and SEM in joint research on the subject of Entrepreneurship; and that will establish a structured relationship with Ryerson and counterpart entities at SEM related to entrepreneurship/innovation (e.g. through student exchange, soft landing, study tours, etc.).
The achievement of an MOU represents the culmination of a concerted effort to establish Tsinghua as a strategic partner in China (considered – alongside Peking University – as the top university in China; it is ranked among the top 150 worldwide by SJTU, 47th by THES, and 25th by QS).
Significance:
- Profile raising – securing a partnership with such a prestigious institution is a major milestone for Ryerson, particularly as the agreement to move forward required presentation and approval at the SEM’s Dean’s Council and so indicates a clear interest in a vibrant/operational relationship. Indeed the hosting of the AIM conference in Toronto last summer was the first occasion that the conference was held in North America and Ryerson’s selection as hosting partner a strong signal of interest by Tsinghua SEM in our institution.
- Operational leverage – aside from the prestige of a formalized linkage with Tsinghua SEM, the stipulated areas of collaboration outlined for exploration in the MOU (i. joint research; ii. student/faculty exchange opportunities; and iii. joint conferences, events and symposiums) offer Ryerson a high value partner entity in the critical Chinese market. It further bolsters Ryerson’s ability to meaningfully engage in the region and will allow for more ambitious undertakings.
Contacts:
For added context/comment on the importance of the partnership, contact can be made with:
- Wendy Cukier, VP, Research and Innovation (wcukier@ryerson.ca; x5283)
- Steven Murphy, Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management (murphy@ryerson.ca; x5119)
- Howard Lin, Co-Director, Canada-China Institute for Business and Development; Professor, TRSM (hlin@ryerson.ca; x 6719)