Cooperation in science and technology: Sant’Anna School signed a cooperation agreement to develop a joint research center in Chongqing for technical training opportunities and startups foundation during Italian President Mattarella state visit to China

Pierdomenico Perata, rector of Sant’Anna School, and Chongqing University – Bishan County representatives have signed a cooperation agreement expanding their initiatives in education and technical training opportunities.

Pierdomenico Perata, the Director of the Galileo Galilei Italian Institute in Chongqing and Alberto di Minin, professor of economics and strategy at Sant’Anna School, were invited to China as guests of Italian President Sergio Mattarella (State Visit).

Today’s agreement for the “Sino-Italian Research and Innovation Area” will ensure China and Italy have trained young researchers, equipped to meet the opportunities and challenges of a globalized world. The agreement will focus on promoting research collaboration. Sant’Anna School and Chongqing University renewed their partnership started in 2006. They agreed to set up a new research center in Chongqing which provides workspace and services to startups and to develop joint MD-PhD programs for Chongqing University graduates.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. As key priorities in our common agenda, they have agreed to bring our academic communities closer together, to maintain high-level exchanges and enhance scientific cooperation.

Pierdomenico Perata and Alberto Di Minin of Sant’Anna School; Zhou Xuhong, President of Chongqing University and Mu Huaping Chongqing Deputy Mayor signed the “Sino-Italian Research and Innovation Area” agreement.  “The cooperation agreement signed during the state visit of President Sergio Mattarella–Pierdomenico Perata commented – further strengthens Sant’Anna School- Chongqing University ties. One of the early activities of the program will be support for China startup ecosystem including mentorship programs, co-working spaces or consultancy as well as training for Chinese graduates”.

"We are very committed to working closely with our Chinese partners to further develop the scientific cooperation with Italian institutions and continue supporting China's global economic integration. Looking at the global scenario means laying the foundations to further boost universities partnership that not only reaffirms our leadership in research and innovation, but also creates a virtuous system among the two countries" – Alberto di Minin said.

Cover Photo: Rector Pierdomenico Perata and President Sergio Mattarella