At the invitation of President Zhao Zhongxiu, Gary Gereffi, professor of Duke University, delivered an academic lecture titled with Global Value Chains and China’s Evolving Role in the New Digital Era on Taishan Forum of Grand Maters held by SDUFE on Oct. 28. Prof. Gereffi, the founder of Global Value Chains(GVC) research, was also appointed to honorary professor of our university.
In his welcoming speech, President Zhao firstly gave a warm welcome to prof. Gereffi and his accompanied and introduced the recent developments of both Shandong and SDUFE. He noted that global economic integration had provided opportunities for universities to cultivate more talents so that SDUFE will work closely with international counterparts and increase its competitiveness in this regard. He also believes that Prof.Gereffi’s visit will bridge the two universities to achieve more win-win cooperation. From his perspective, GVC, as a brand new method for international economic research, will play a significant role in global development, especially in the field of an agricultural economy. Through this lecture, the students will not only learn this research method but also have better knowledge on the development course of global economic integration.
In the joint keynote lecture, prof. Gereffi, Dr. Fernandez-Stark, and Dr. Bamber introduced the definitions of GVC and its application. Prof. Gereffi mainly talked about the rise of GVC and its frame, and China’s advantage in this regard. Dr. Fernandez-Stark shared her views on the future trend of GVC in agriculture. Finally, Dr. Bamber introduced technical innovation in Agriculture Products Freshness Protection. The lecture was ensured by hot interaction among the students and the professors. And President Zhao issued a certificate of Honorary Professor to prof. Gereffi.
Prof. Gereffi is also a consultant on international organisations, including United Nations Industrial Development Organization, World Bank, and he published more than 90 books and 400 papers in the field of global industrial upgrading and economic development.
