TRENDS Research and Advisory hosted Ms. Zhang Xiaoyan, Vice President of the China Center for Information Industry Development (CCID), in a panel discussion on the role of scientific research in making the future, anticipating events and the prospects for joint cooperation between the two sides in the field of scientific research.

During the panel, which was attended from the TRENDS side by several young researchers, viewpoints were exchanged on the challenges and opportunities facing the information industry, and future areas of cooperation between the two centers were explored.

The panel discussion began with each side introducing itself to the other. Representatives of TRENDS Research and Advisory provided an overview of the TRENDS’ work, including its research, studies, areas of work, consultations and training programs. Zhang Xiaoyan presented an overview of the CCID and the nature of its work, including its ICT research, policy and consultancy.

Participants in the panel discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the information industry, most importantly Internet access, cyber threats and AI. They underlined the ability of AI technologies to bring about a qualitative shift in the fields of research, science and reading big data, which underlines the need for better tools and techniques to analyze them and transform them into actionable insights.

TRENDS researchers and Ms. Zhang Xiaoyan also discussed potential areas of cooperation between the two centers. At the conclusion of the panel discussion, it was agreed to continue communication and coordination until concluding a joint cooperation agreement that frames the work between them in a way that achieves the goals of both sides and contributes to disseminating knowledge that is capable of making the future.