From April 21 to 24, 2026, led by Ning Yan, Director of the MEM Education Center, and Liu Yan, Deputy Director of the School of Management and Engineering at Nanjing University, students of the university’s MEM program embarked on a research and study tour to outstanding enterprises and universities in Guangdong and Shanghai. The journey connected two major economic hubs, with visits and exchanges held at BYD, ZTE, Huawei, Yangshan Deep-Water Port, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Smeagol, AVL Shanghai Technical Center, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The event was co-organized by Nanjing University MEM, Executive MBA (EMBA) of Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), Austria, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University MEM.
Exploring the Cutting Edge: Visiting Benchmark Manufacturers in the Greater Bay Area
On the morning of April 21, the school delegation and the WU EMBA study group first visited the headquarters of BYD. Through on-site explanations and exhibits, the participants gained a comprehensive overview of the iterative development of global new energy vehicles and power battery technologies. Hu Hao, PMO Manager of BYD, introduced the company’s project management practices to the delegation and hosted interactive discussions.
In the afternoon of the same day, the delegation moved to the headquarters of ZTE Corporation at the Shenzhen Science and Technology Park. They observed on-site demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G/6G network evolution and computing infrastructure. After the visit, Zhao Gang, Vice President of ZTE, and Gao Xuejun, Senior Expert Lecturer, systematically presented ZTE’s latest project management practices. Chinese and foreign representatives then held heated discussions on the delivery challenges of large-scale transnational communication engineering projects, addressing practical pain points in project management including cross-cultural communication mechanisms and compliance risk control in overseas projects.
On the morning of April 22, the study group went deep into the manufacturing heartland of the Greater Bay Area and visited the Huawei Songshan Lake Campus. Sun Hu, Chief Expert of Project Management at Huawei, systematically introduced Huawei’s project management system and the latest progress in intelligent project management to the group. The participants visited the Huawei Songshan Lake Campus at close range.
Cross-University Collaboration: Decoding the Smart Manufacturing Code of the Yangtze River Delta
On April 23, the study group arrived in Shanghai, with WU EMBA, Shanghai Jiao Tong University MEM, and Nanjing University MEM participating in the full-day research and activities in Shanghai. In the morning, the team visited Yangshan Deep-Water Port, the world’s largest automated terminal by single scale. Guided by senior experts from Shanghai Maritime University, the students intuitively observed the precise dispatching of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and the entire unmanned operation process, and discussed the architectural evolution of the intelligent logistics system.
On the afternoon of April 23, the delegation visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University Smeagol Technology Co., Ltd. (the “Smart Factory” at Lingang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University). As a model of in-depth industry-university-research integration of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Smeagol has achieved remarkable results in the R&D and industrial application of intelligent manufacturing technologies, relying on the strong disciplinary strength of the School of Mechanical Engineering. The delegation conducted an in-depth inspection of the digital production management system of the smart factory and exchanged views on the transformation of intelligent manufacturing technologies and engineering management practices.
Empowered by the Consulate: In-Depth Exchange at AVL Shanghai Technical Center
On the morning of April 24, with the support of the Consulate General of Austria in Shanghai, the students visited the AVL Shanghai Technical Center. As an important bridge for China-Austria industrial cooperation, the AVL Shanghai Technical Center fully presented its technical layout in China to the delegation. During the seminar, focusing on the engineering management attributes of the delegation, both sides discussed the challenges in implementing the powertrain test and verification system and technical management. Combining local engineering practices, MEM students had in-depth discussions with foreign experts on powertrain technology development, test and verification systems, and engineering management methodologies.
Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Jointly Drawing a Blueprint for International Talents
On the afternoon of April 24, the study group visited the Xuhui Campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and experienced the profound academic heritage of the century-old university while strolling through the campus.
In the subsequent special report session, teachers and students from the three universities exchanged ideas on topics such as innovation in engineering management education and the cultivation of interdisciplinary talents.
That evening, all members were invited to attend a farewell reception at Jin Mao Tower, where Gerhard Maynhardt, Consul General of Austria in Shanghai, attended in person. During the reception, Chinese and foreign representatives freely shared their insights from the successive visits and visions for future cooperation, celebrating the successful conclusion of this transnational industrial study tour in a friendly atmosphere.
