AV淘宝

Recently, the Fourth Hong Kong Lingnan University–Wuhan University Joint Symposium on Applied Economics was successfully held at Hong Kong Lingnan University. The symposium brought together experts, scholars, and graduate students from renowned institutions such as Hong Kong Lingnan University, Wuhan University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on key topics including digital platforms and algorithmic governance, international trade and industrial policy, as well as labor economics and social development, fostering a vibrant and stimulating academic atmosphere. 

The symposium yielded fruitful academic exchanges. Professor Fei Li from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill presented research titled "Algorithmic Attention and Content Creation on Social Media Platforms," using a theoretical model to reveal the "bimodal" non-monotonic characteristics of platform algorithms in attention allocation. Associate Professor Ding Yucheng from the Department of Economics, using Amazon as a case study, explored the regulatory boundaries of platform self-operation models and suggested that moderately biased recommendations might enhance overall social utility. Professor Larry Qiu from Hong Kong Lingnan University, based on Chinese data, empirically found that international patent applications can increase a firm's export value by 13.4% and significantly facilitate entry into new markets. Associate Professor Xiong Ruichi focused on the 2006 "Company Law" reform, revealing how policy-driven reductions in registered capital thresholds stimulated regional entrepreneurial vitality through a "ripple effect."

The conference also addressed policy and societal issues. Professor Wu Mingqin analyzed the unintended consequences of government-led mergers and acquisitions in the real estate sector, offering a new perspective on understanding the economic effects of government intervention. Assistant Professor Xinyan Liu from Hong Kong Lingnan University, using data from China Judgments Online, empirically demonstrated the positive impact of China's "Anti-Domestic Violence Law" on women's labor income.

Subsequently, doctoral students from Lingnan University—Liu Mengxin, Lei You, and Li Jinpo (a joint PhD candidate between Wuhan University and Lingnan University)—along with doctoral students from Wuhan University—Wang Siwei, Wang Yijing, and Liu Sichen—presented their latest research findings. Their work covered a range of significant topics including marriage markets, consumer subsidies, industrial policy, firm market entry, female employment, and trade protection.

At the opening of the symposium, Professor Larry Qiu from Hong Kong Lingnan University delivered a welcome address, reviewing the history of collaboration between the two universities. He particularly noted that this event marked the first in-person gathering since the pandemic, representing a milestone in advancing academic exchanges between the institutions. Professor Luo Zhi, Vice Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Wuhan University, then delivered a speech and extended a sincere invitation to faculty and students from Lingnan University to visit Wuhan next year. During the closing session, Professor Li Xuesong, Head of the Department of Economics, fully affirmed the achievements of the discussions and expressed anticipation for closer and more diverse cooperation between the two universities in the future.

Building upon the proactive efforts of Professor Song Min from the Department of Finance at the School of Economics and Management and Professor Larry Qiu from the Department of Economics at Lingnan University, since Wuhan University and Hong Kong Lingnan University signed the "2+2" Joint PhD Program in Economics agreement in 2020, the two institutions have continued to integrate educational resources to broaden students' academic horizons and development pathways. The program has already shown promising results: the first joint-training student is about to receive dual degrees, and three other doctoral students are currently undergoing cross-university training, demonstrating strong academic potential.

This symposium has not only provided a high-quality exchange platform for scholars and students from both universities, but has also further solidified the trust and mutual understanding built through long-term collaboration. Looking ahead, the two institutions will continue to deepen cooperation in academic research, talent cultivation, and various other areas, jointly injecting new vitality into advancing cutting-edge research in economics and its application to societal challenges.

Reporters: Wang Yijing, Wang Siwei, Liu Sichen, Ding Yucheng, Luo Yu

Reviewers: Huang Minxue, Li Bin