Beijing – The University of Udine presented its Lab Village model, an advanced research hub integrated with businesses, in Beijing during a mission led by the Italian Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini. The delegation included the rector, Angelo Montanari, who participated in the first Italy–China Rectors’ Forum, culminating in a memorandum of understanding between the CRUI (Conference of Italian University Rectors) and its Chinese counterpart.
“The mission was an opportunity to initiate dialogue with several Chinese universities for potential joint initiatives in geosciences, food technologies, mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence, languages, and digital humanities,” said Montanari. He emphasized that the Uniud Lab Village represents a forward-looking model fostering medium- and long-term collaboration between universities and companies, as an alternative to traditional academic consultancy. Montanari added that integrating international academic and industrial partners into this collaborative network could offer unique opportunities for mutual innovation and growth.