The School of Artificial Intelligence, Suzhou Campus, Renmin University of China (RUC) and the Suzhou Artificial Intelligence Laboratory are officially inaugurated as part of the agreement between RUC and the Suzhou Municipal Government.

The agreement aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions to foster AI innovation, talent cultivation, and international collaboration. The School of Artificial Intelligence in Suzhou Campus will complement RUC’s existing Gaoling School of Artificial Intelligence in Beijing’s Zhongguancun campus, forming a differentiated development model where Suzhou focuses on applied AI solutions for regional economic growth. At the same time, Beijing emphasizes theoretical advancements and integration with the humanities.

By integrating education, technology, and talent reform, the initiative will contribute to Suzhou Industrial Park’s goal of becoming a world-class high-tech innovation hub. The new School of Artificial Intelligence will adopt a “product-driven, service-driven, and contribution-driven” approach, accelerating the development of emerging AI disciplines, smart governance, and interdisciplinary research platforms.

Zhang Donggang expressed gratitude to the Suzhou government for its strong support, stating that the university and the city have long shared a collaborative vision for talent development and modernization. He emphasized RUC’s commitment to driving new reforms for educational and technological innovation, establishing new strategic initiatives to nurture top-tier AI talent, and expanding new cooperation opportunities to enhance Suzhou’s role in China’s modernization.

Liu Xiaotao reaffirmed Suzhou’s dedication to education, innovation, and talent-driven development. He praised the growing partnership with RUC, citing past achievements such as the Suzhou Institute for Smart Governance and the Suzhou AI and Social Governance Key Laboratory. Liu encouraged RUC to expand its academic presence in Suzhou, particularly in AI, smart governance, international exchange, and humanities-driven economic research.

The signing ceremony was attended by Zhang Donggang, Chair of the University Council of RUC, Lin Shangli, President of RUC, Zhu Xinkai, Executive Vice President of RUC, and Liu Pengzhi, honorary principal of RUC Affiliated Schools. 

From the Suzhou government, notable attendees included Liu Xiaotao, Member of the Standing Committee of Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of Suzhou Municipal Party Committee, Jiang Yong, Director of Jiangsu Provincial Education Department, and Wu Qingwen, Deputy Secretary of the Suzhou Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Suzhou. 

The agreement was signed by Zhu Xinkai and Suzhou Executive Vice Mayor Gu Haidong, with RUC Vice President Zheng Xinye presiding over the event.

Since its first agreement with Suzhou in 2003, RUC has continuously deepened its engagement with the city, establishing the Suzhou Campus, the China-France Institute, and the Silk Road Academy. 

With the 2022 launch of the Suzhou Smart Governance Institute and the School of Artificial Intelligence, RUC has further strengthened its presence in the Yangtze River Delta, introducing cutting-edge AI and interdisciplinary programs.

Moving forward, RUC aims to build its Suzhou Campus into a global hub for AI research and education, fostering deeper collaboration with government, industry, and academia. By aligning RUC’s academic expertise with Suzhou’s economic and technological needs, the partnership will serve as a model for university-city cooperation, contributing to China's modernization and global AI leadership.