On 22 January, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) and Haitian Group officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement. Aimed at strengthing industry-education integration, the partnership seeks to build a synergistic ecosystem linking academia, industry, talent development, and innovation.
Under the agreement, the two parties will establish a joint working group to implement the collaboration in phases. In the area of talent development, UNNC and Haitian will introduce a targeted training and recruitment mechanism. Through organised student visits, exchanges, and hands-on placement at Haitian, the initiative aims to broaden students' industry exposure and enhance their practical skills. A dedicated "green lane" will also be created to facilitate internships and employment opportunities for outstanding students, effectively aligning graduate capabilities with corporate recruitment needs.
In parallel, Haitian will appoint senior engineers as Industry Professors at UNNC. These experts will actively participate in curriculum co-design and joint talent development programmes, bringing industry-leading insights and practical expertise into UNNC’s teaching and learning environment. This initiative will further strengthen disciplinary development and support students’ professional growth.
The partnership will also explore innovative models of research collaboration. By establishing international research platforms, the two sides will jointly pursue research in advanced fields such as high-end equipment, low-carbon manufacturing, fintech, and more. These efforts are expected to accelerate the translation of research outcomes into industrial applications.
In addition, UNNC will deliver customised training programmes for Haitian’s senior executives and core technical staff, supporting the company’s global expansion by enhancing international perspectives and cross-cultural management capabilities.
In recent years, UNNC has played an active role in industry-education integration. This new partnership with Haitian Group—a Top 500 Chinese private enterprise—will further strengthen UNNC’s talent development ecosystem by seamlessly integrating academic learning, industrial practice, and career development. It is also expected to inject fresh momentum into the high-quality growth and international advancement of the local manufacturing sector.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior leaders, including Dr Hongbo (Jenny) Dong, Deputy Party Secretary and Executive Director of Student Affairs and Campus Safety of UNNC; Jianfeng Zhang, Chairman of Haitian Group; Feng Chen, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director General of the Financial Innovation and Development Bureau of Ningbo Economic and Technological Development Zone; and Julie LV, Party Secretary and Board President of Zhejiang Wanli Education Group.
Published on 22 January 2026