Peking University, October 24, 2017: The second “Government Innovation: China-US Comparative Perspectives” international symposium, jointly held by Peking University’sInstitute of State Governance Studies and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs , took place at Columbia University on October 12-13, 2017 . This is the second symposium on state governance following a strategic cooperation contract between the Institute of State Governance Studies and the Picker Center for Executive Education of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs in October 2016.
Merit Janow, the dean of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, welcomed the participating scholars and pointed out the importance of cooperation between the two universities. She remarked that since China and the United States are both internationally influential countries, and have distinguished characters in state governance, the comparison and research between thembears great significance theoretically and practically. Professor William Eimicke, the founding director of the Picker Center for Executive Education , also expressed his hopes for the latest academic work stemming from the communication between Peking University and Columbia University. Professor Sun Zhe, the co-director of the China Project of Columbia University, hosted the opening ceremony. Wang Puqu, dean of the Institute of State Governance Studies of Peking University, paid thanks to the support and preparation of Columbia University on behalf of the Peking University Delegation.
Professor Wang Puqu later delivered a speech on the logic and strategy of the modernization of China’s state governance in its modern age.
Professor Eimicke from Columbia University emphasized the relationship between public and private institutions in state governance, using examples such ashe management of New York’s Central Park and the constitution of Olympic venues in Rio de Janeiro. Professor Steve Cohen, Executive Director and Chief Operating Advisor of the Columbia Earth Institute, analyzed the elements of a sustainable developing city. Professor Ann Rutledge discussed the relationship between financial innovation and state governance. Professor Claudia Gerola spoke on the power of technology and big data analytics, pointing out that many outstanding international leaders have already realized that technology is crucial in driving changes. Professor Liu Guoli from the College of Charleston’s School of Political Science believed that the income inequality in the United States creates political controversies and polarization, therefore posing challenges for effective governance.
Professor Yan Jirong, vice president of the Institute of State Governance Studies of Peking University, discussed the “flexibility” of the Chinese government, which breaks the traditional “democratization” view in political science, and provides new facts and details for the observation and analysis of Chinese politics.
Participating Chinese scholars were divided into two groups in the afternoon agenda, discussing the practices, opportunities, and challenges surrounding the Chinese government from different angles. The agenda was hosted by Professor Eimicke and Professor Avid from Columbia University.
After the symposium, Columbia University arranged field research for the Chinese scholars at 311 hotline service centers in New York, which gave these Chinese scholars first-hand knowledge of the efficiency of modern technology in the field of public service.
During the international symposium, scholars from Columbia University delivered speeches about government innovation in the United States, and Chinese scholars introduced and analyzed the reform process of the Chinese Government. The symposium not only enhanced the communication and cooperation between Peking University and Columbia University, but also publicized accomplishments of Chinese government reforms in the modern period and contributed to improving the understanding of Chinese government innovations in U.S. academia. Both parties have agreed to hold the third forum on state governance at Peking University in 2018.
Written by: Hu Yue
Edited by: Karen Xu
