On June 11, the School of Statistics and Data Science at Nankai University hosted a seminar entitled “The Power of Data & Serving China”. Xu Xianchun, director of the China Center for Economic and Social Data Research at Tsinghua University, Qiu Dong, head of Statistics Discipline in National Philosophy and Social Science Planning Project Review Group and Xiao Hongye, a former member of the Statistics Discipline Appraisal Group of the State Council Academic Degrees Committee were invited to attend the seminar.

Yang Qingshan, Secretary of the CPC Nankai University Committee, met Xu Xianchun and the other professors before the seminar.

In the seminar, the three professors shared their views and delivered three presentations, such as “Research on Data Assets Statistics and Accounting”, “the Power of Data & Serving China” and “Data Elements”. Xu Xianchun focused on economic development driven by big data and the significance, concept, productive nature and features of big data. Qiu Dongchang shared his understanding of “Serving China” and “The Power of Data”, addressing individual and national development, the change of the world pattern as well as the development of capital, and highlighting the importance of applied research and economic statistics research. Xiao Hongye explained the concept of Data Elements and emphasized that we still have to exert great effort to build a “digitalized China”. Although data technology composes a necessary yet insufficient element, a data-driven mechanism for enhancing productivity provides more choices for better serving China.

Finally, the participants and the guest speakers further discussed related issues and questions. The three professors were appointed as “Mentor of Nankai University Statistics Discipline” by the School of Statistics and Data Science.

 (Reported by Huihui Yi, photographed by Qiqi Zong, translated by Yating Jin, edited by Davide Francolino, Senmao Lin, Lu An and JianjingYun)