Shaping the future of academic conferences
The Innovation Conference (TIC), initiated by The Innovation journal in 2023, aims to foster technological innovation and scientific progress through deep interdisciplinary integration. As a problem-solving-oriented academic event, TIC provides an interactive platform for communication and collaboration and addresses the diverse needs of participants. To date, two TICs have been held successfully: in Hangzhou in 2023 and in Shenzhen in 2024.1,2
The central theme of TIC is centered around a continuous cycle of "identifying challenges, discussing potential solutions, publishing findings, and facilitating real-world application." Prior to the event, problems are gathered from both academic and industry stakeholders, which then guide the conference discussions. During the event, these issues are explored in depth through focused sessions that bridge the gap between academia and industry. Following the conference, efforts to develop and implement solutions continue, with results being published and promoted for practical use.1,3,4 This comprehensive approach ensures that TIC not only stimulates intellectual exchange but also drives the practical application of scientific solutions.
Round-table discussion is one of the most anticipated aspects of TIC, providing a robust platform for participants to engage in deep intellectual exchanges. Such exchanges serve as a foundation for framing solutions and developing problem-solving strategies. The conference’s problem-solving approach fosters an open forum that continuously nurtures innovation by encouraging ongoing collaboration and deeper thinking post-conference.
Besides, TIC also features some unique segments, such as the Author Festival, the Young Scientists Social Responsibility Forum, Editor-in-Chief Face-to-Face Session, Industry and Journal Exhibition, High-tech Company Tours, and Technology Transfer Negotiation, among others. These activities not only provide opportunities for networking and collaboration but also deepen the conference's impact by fostering connections between researchers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders.
The recent TIC held in Shenzhen brought together over 650 participants from more than 400 universities, research institutes, and high-tech companies. The participants, including scholars and managers, engaged in in-depth discussions on 68 questions covering 35 key topics, resulting in outcomes widely disseminated through news reports, trending topics, and academic papers.2,5 The global influence of this TIC event is evidenced by over 415 million views on X (formerly Twitter), underscoring its role in promoting technological innovation on a global scale.
