MCI Innsbruck and Wuhan University Build Bridge Between China and Europe

First “China–Europe Innovation Forum” sparks impulses for Health, Business, and Science

With the launch of the inaugural China–Europe Innovation Forum, Wuhan University (WHU), one of China’s top ten universities, and MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® have laid the foundation for a strategic partnership fostering innovation and international cooperation between China and Europe.

Focusing on key future-oriented topics such as Public Health, Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence, innovative business models, and Entrepreneurship, the forum connects two major economic regions and addresses issues of strategic relevance for Tyrol, Austria, and Europe as a whole. Wuhan – a dynamic city of ten million residents and a thriving hub for technology and start-ups – provided an ideal setting for this initiative.

The collaboration with WHU’s School of Economics & Management and School of Public Health opens promising prospects for student exchanges, research stays, and study-abroad opportunities. The program will be particularly beneficial for Master’s students from Austria and Europe, granting access to a unique academic and cultural environment.

The successful execution of the China–Europe Innovation Forum not only highlights the strong ties between academia and business but also the shared potential to advance innovation, health research, and global preparedness. Building on the positive momentum of the first forum held in Wuhan, a second edition is planned for 2026 in Innsbruck.

Alongside the main organizers – WHU and MCI – the forum brought together high-level representatives from the Province of Hubei, the City of Wuhan, prestigious universities from Europe (e.g. Erasmus University Rotterdam) and China (e.g. Fudan University, Tsinghua University), leading Chinese med-tech companies (e.g. Mindray, Landing Med), as well as experienced China experts and international facilitators such as Rudolf Scharping, former Minister-President and Defense Minister of Germany.

Beyond academic dialogue, the China–Europe Innovation Forum also serves as a platform for Austrian and European companies to explore opportunities in the Chinese market and develop joint innovation projects.

Voices on the Forum:

Prof. Dr. Andreas Altmann, Rector of MCI:

“This partnership sends a strong signal at a time of global uncertainty. By building a bridge between Europe and China, we’re creating exciting new opportunities for our students — from international experience to real competitive advantages in their careers. It also opens up fresh perspectives for our corporate partners in market access, innovation, and global collaboration.”

Prof. Dr. Wei Manske-Wang, Head of the MCI China Center:

“The forum clearly demonstrates how closely Europe and China are already connected. Through our partnership with Wuhan University, students can gain outstanding international experience and take an active role in shaping global future topics like digitalization and AI.”

Prof. Dr. Siegfried Walch, Social & Health Management at MCI:

“The Innovation Forum reflects MCI’s strong ties across Europe. With partners like Erasmus University Rotterdam and the University of Oslo taking part, we’re strengthening international collaboration in key areas like public health and global health security.”