The establishment of International Center for

Technology and Social Innovation of

Southwest Jiaotong University and Cornell University

The launch ceremony of International Center for Technology and Social Innovation of Southwest Jiaotong University and Cornell University has hold in Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu on 22nd June, 2013.

Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) and Cornell University have a hundred-year long history and further prospect in collaborations; wish to jointly putting forward the framework Agreement of regarding the launch of International Center for Technology and Social Innovation to advance the transformation of technological achievements and social innovations for sustainable development; the agreement aims to establish  “Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) – Cornell University International Center for Technology and Social Innovation” (Hereinafter referred to as the "Center"), a foundation for long-term cooperation, which could instruct and support joint initiatives and projects. The Center, defined as a dedicated center of technology development and social innovation for sustainable development, is an interdisciplinary cooperative platform for the two universities.

The vision of Center is to establish a dedicated institution for social services and the application of technological innovation for sustainable development. The objectives of Center are to:

Through combination of technological achievements of both parties for promoting its applications in China with social benefits;

Cultivate international cooperation through the collaboration of technological application for social innovation;

Enhance the experiences for students and researchers of both parties through their participations in selected projects.

Center aims to launch collaborative projects for sustainable development by applications of technological achievements of two universities. The scope of activities of Center includes technological development and applications for social good.  Activities will include but not limited to:

Select technology projects that are suitable for application in China for social goods.

Assemble researchers and students from both parties to collaborate and develop the selected projects further to address the Chinese market and social needs.

Analyze market and social benefits of the projects.

Find cooperative partners for the utilization of selected projects.

Secure additional funding or investment for the joint projects.

Promote networking opportunity through conferences and workshops.