Chongqing - The Intelligent Connected New Energy Vehicle Industry Talent Matchmaking Conference, part of the Chongqing International Talent Exchange Conference, took place on November 12 at the Chongqing Science Hall. It gathered around 200 experts, investors, business leaders, and students.

The event aimed to strengthen Chongqing's competitiveness in the NEV sector by fostering talent integration, attracting top domestic and international experts and projects, and creating a robust ecosystem for intelligent, connected new energy vehicles.

The Intelligent Connected New Energy Vehicle Industry Talent Matchmaking Conference, part of the Chongqing International Talent Exchange Conference, welcomed around 200 experts, investors, business leaders, and students. [Photo/Western (Chongqing) Science City]

Zhao Xiangmo, Vice President of the China Society of Automotive Engineers, President of Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, and Professor at Chang'an University, emphasized the rapid evolution of the intelligent connected electric vehicle (EV) industry and the urgent need for talent cultivation. He highlighted that the industry’s transformation requires substantial reform in both the education and technology sectors to ensure a robust talent pipeline for the future of China’s automotive industry.

Zhao noted that China’s automotive industry has entered a new era, facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. In 2023, the industry’s total output value surpassed 11 trillion yuan, overtaking real estate as the largest pillar of China’s economy. Additionally, China has become the world’s largest vehicle exporter, underscoring the significance of this industry’s transformation.

However, Zhao also pointed to the increasing pressure from intensifying technological competition between China and the United States, particularly with sanctions targeting high-tech sectors. Since 2018, U.S. sanctions against Chinese companies, especially in high-tech fields, have disrupted global automotive supply chains.

"The essence of the China-U.S. rivalry is a talent competition," Zhao said. "To achieve autonomy and control over the supply chain, the key is cultivating high-level innovative talent."

Zhao Xiangmo, Vice President of China SAE; President of Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology; Professor of Chang'an University. [Photo/Western (Chongqing) Science City]

Cross-disciplinary talent and industry collaboration

Zhao emphasized that the fast-evolving intelligent connected vehicle industry demands talent adept in both technology and cross-disciplinary skills. He called on universities to reform talent development by fostering cross-disciplinary knowledge, enhancing industry collaboration, and promoting industry-university-research integration.

Drawing from his extensive experience in education, Zhao shared insights on talent development initiatives at Chang’an University and Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology in the field of intelligent vehicle technology.

He explained that Chang’an University has incorporated cutting-edge technologies, such as multi-sensor fusion and heterogeneous network communications, into its curriculum while also emphasizing the cultivation of students' political and strategic thinking. This ensures that future innovators focus not only on manufacturing vehicles but also on anticipating the road ahead.

Zhao also underscored the importance of collaboration between universities and businesses. As intelligent vehicle technologies evolve rapidly, cross-industry collaboration between educators and corporate experts is a key driver of talent development. For example, the partnership between Chang’an University and China Mobile’s joint laboratory provides students with opportunities to participate in real-world projects, fostering the development of a significant number of innovative talents for the industry.