BEIJING — As the Chinese mainland wraps up its 14th Five-Year Plan, a dynamic group of international researchers studying in Beijing met with CGTN's Wang Guan to explore what's next. In the roundtable "Shaping a Shared Future: China's Next Five Years," they dove into how the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan could set the stage for fresh waves of innovation and sustainable growth.
Daily Life Goes Mobile From QR-code coffee orders in Shanghai to touchless subway rides in Guangzhou, digital payments have transformed everyday routines. "Our campus ID card doubles as a wallet," noted one participant, underscoring how fintech integration is blurring the lines between tech and daily life.
Green is the New Growth Environmental initiatives are no longer optional. The group highlighted citywide bike-sharing programs powered by solar stations and green rooftops sprouting on high-rises. These projects reflect a core theme of the 15th Plan: embedding eco-friendly design across industries.
Smart Campuses, Smarter Ideas Back on university grounds, AI-enabled libraries and data-driven labs are nurturing the next generation of changemakers. Students are launching startups focused on everything from vertical farming to renewable energy monitoring, leveraging campus resources and industry partnerships.
Looking ahead, the guests saw the 15th Five-Year Plan as an invitation for international professionals to join the journey. By contributing research, fostering cross-cultural entrepreneurship, and championing green technologies, they believe a shared future can emerge—one where innovation and sustainability move in tandem.
Reference(s):
Shaping a Shared Future: Young voices on the 15th Five-Year Plan
cgtn.com
