The three joint universities (University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Coventry University, UK, and University of Essex, UK) held an international forum: "3D printing and Internet of things application country International Symposium" at the same time, the international conference was aimed at building a bridge for disseminating the latest applied knowledge, combining industry-university-research and encouraging experts to jointly study and discuss advanced technologies such as 3D printing, Internet of Things and other enabling technologies in the era of big data and the bottlenecks in the process of industrial application of these technologies. At the same time, it promoted the cooperation between three universities and the Shenzhen Internet of Things Association. It had lecture series followed by roundtable discussions. This forum had covered a general overview of 3D printing (3DP) - the technology of constructing objects by printing layer by layer of bondable materials such as powdered metal or plastic. However, it also pointed out that innovation regarding laws and regulations should be given more focus.

This forum was Directed by Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. The organizers included University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Coventry University, UK and the University of Essex, UK. Co-organizers were North American Association of Professionals (NAAAP) and Toronto online tv, and the undertaker was Ningbo Kaifu Conference and Exhibition Co., Ltd.

The first key speaker, Professor Hing Kai Chan - Professor of Operations Management of NUBS China shared the topic of “breakthroughs in advanced technology in the data era”. Professor Ming Kim Lim from the University of Coventry, UK- Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Management talked about the “potential development trend of the Internet of things”. Finally, Professor James Griffin from the University of Essex Law School in the United Kingdom shared the speech topic of “the impact of intellectual property development under digital technology”.

The AHRC Centre for Digital Copyright and IP Research in China was established in March 2015. Combining British and Chinese expertise, the AHRC Centre investigates global copyright challenges and opportunities for creative and technical industries in the fast-developing Chinese context. The Centre's research will have relevance to government, business and education sectors in China and its findings aim to inform policy and support the development of consistent copyright and intellectual property regulation and to aid business innovation and commercial design across China.