On September 24, 2012, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and GE China Technology Center signed a research collaboration agreement to establish the Collaborative Advanced Manufacturing Lab at the University of Michigan – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (JI).
The two parties agreed to establish a collaborative research lab using the infrastructure of the JI. The lab shall extend the scope of GE funded programs and further explore the possibility to apply for external funding. The research programs will focus on areas including but not limited to intelligent manufacturing, non-traditional manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and metal forming and deformation technology. These advanced manufacturing technologies can be applied to civil aviation, energy machinery, and medical equipment and meet the goal of Chinese government’s12th Five-Year Plan to upgrade the manufacturing industries in China.
During the signing ceremony, SJTU Deputy President Zhongqin Lin stressed, “China needs a breakthrough in manufacturing technologies to transform from ‘Made in China’ to ‘Designed in China.’ SJTU is thrilled about this research collaboration in advanced manufacturing and will provide a strong support.” Prof. Peisen Huang, JI’s Associate Dean for Education, remarked, “As the testing ground for cultivating global innovative leaders, JI looks forward to long-term cooperation with GE, not only in research but also in education in terms of internship and graduate research projects. “
GE CTC President Xiangli Chen commended that GE and SJTU have a long history of collaboration in various fields and have established a relationship of mutual respect and trust. GE and SJTU desire to further develop the cooperative relationship, build long-term strategic collaboration, and jointly explore areas of common interest to both parties.
Establishing this lab is a critical step in the strategic collaboration between GE and SJTU, laying the foundation for future cooperation in cultivating talents, academic exchange, and information sharing. For years, GE has maintained an excellent cooperative relationship with SJTU. In 2012, GE sponsored a series of activities in SJTU, such as SJTU Open Day, Future Female Leader Award, GE-Foundation Technology Award, Career Counseling, Volunteer Activities, and Reverse Mentoring.
Christine Furstoss, GE Global Research Center Technology Director, remarked that this collaborative lab is another milestone in GE’s development of Open Innovation in China, through which GE hopes to contribute to the advancement of China’s manufacturing level.
SJTU Deputy President Zhongqin Lin and GE CTC President Xiangli Chen signed the agreement with the witness of all attendees. Then everyone toasted for a great success of the Collaborative Advanced Manufacturing Lab.
Background information
Shanghai Jiao Tong University(www.sjtu.edu.cn)
SJTU is one of China’s old universities, a key university governed by the Ministry of Education and Shanghai Municipal government. SJTU is a leading university that has participated in China’s 7thand 8thFive-Year Plans and 211 Project.
GE China Technology Center(www.gectc.com)
GE China Technology Center, one of GE’s five global research centers, was established in 2000,with nearly 3000 researchers working in more than 150 state-of-the-art laboratories in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, XiAn, and WuXi.GE China Technology Center provides comprehensive technological support for GE’s global businesses and “In China, for China” project.
GE China Technology Center has four advanced manufacturing laboratories in Shanghai, with a strong team of scientists and engineers working in the forefront technologies ofspecialty manufacturing, laser increased material manufacturing, optical materials, optical detection, robotic welding, and automation, which support GE’s global business groups of transportation, energy, and health care.
